These are some of the strangest days that I can ever remember. The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped our regular, way-too-busy schedules in their tracks and made all of us reprocess our priorities for life and work. Someone asked me the other day what I have seen happening in people as I have been counseling and praying with those struggling with life in the middle of a pandemic. I thought I would share a few them with you:
- Many family units seem to be stronger
It has been great to see families spending more time together during these weeks instead of running from this event, to this practice, back to the house to eat dinner and then sleep for a little while and get up and go do it all over again. Families have been in the yard working on projects together. I’ve seen families on picnics, just enjoying each other’s company. I’ve seen marriages strengthened as husbands and wives have to work together to homeschool their kids.
- Growth in prayer and Bible study
It has been great to hear from so many people as they share about the growth that is taking place in these critical spiritual disciplines. Our lives are better when we are diligent in prayer and Bible study, and the coronavirus, as bad as it is, has pushed many to the study of Scripture and to spending quality time in conversation with the Lord through prayer.
- Generosity
In a time where people are losing their jobs or being furloughed and the economy not growing at all, I have observed the generosity of so many people to help those that are in desperate need. Times are tough, no doubt, but seeing people care for the people around them has been so heartwarming.
- Neighboring
Even with social distancing rules in place, I have observed neighbors spending time together, really enjoying each other’s company. Some in my neighborhood sit 6+ feet apart in a big circle just visiting until after dark. I have also seen a neighborhood in our area start a short worship time with a couple of songs and a short devotional. I have heard stories of neighbors cooking different parts of a meal and sharing it together while social distancing.
There are more, but you get the idea. I have heard people say, “I can’t wait until things get back to normal.” I’m not sure I want to go back to normal. I don’t want to go back to the crazy rat race we call life after all of the things that the coronavirus has exposed in our lives. Maybe God is taking something bad and turning it into something incredible that will draw all of us closer to Himself. Maybe we are getting back to some of the things that God desires from us. Maybe God is setting us up for a new normal. I don’t know all of the answers, but I don’t want to miss anything that God is teaching us during this time. How about you?