What a difference a month or so can make. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. While the virus still has a grip on the world, things are slowly improving depending on who you talk to, We are nowhere close to things returning to normal but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some businesses will be reopening soon while others are choosing to wait until they feel it is safe for their workers and patrons. I applaud their decision. It is not an easy choice either way.
I am challenging you to remember any positive changes you were forced to make during this last month and incorporate them into your post virus life. I also ask you to remember what you truly missed during this time of social distancing and make up for it. I will be doing that myself.
My daily life is usually pretty hectic to say the least. Eating meals out became routine. It was easier, faster, and the clean up took very little time. I was willing to sacrifice the quality of some of those meals for the ease of ordering them. Don’t get me wrong, I still plan on eating out when we get the all clear. I’m so ready to go to Big Ed’s Pizza in Oak Ridge. My weekly breakfast at Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton, TN, with the legendary Freddy Fagan and my friend, Kenny Powell, will be one of the first things I get back in the habit of. Occasional meals at Outback in Oak Ridge with one of the best waitresses ever, Michelle, will happen soon, as well. I can’t forget Ruby’s Diner in Oliver Springs, too. The food and fellowship at these places with friends like Clyde, Joann, Ruby, Mary, Tiffany, and others has truly been missed.
I can honestly say I have eaten more home cooked meals in the last month than I have in years. I share the kitchen duties with my girlfriend, Jennifer. She usually handles the oven made meals while I man the grill. We share the clean up duties. It has been one thing that has changed that we agree needs to happen more often than not. My son and her daughter love it too. Sitting at the dinner table listening to my son, Dane, pray before our meal while we hold hands beats anything McDonald’s could ever put in one of their Happy Meals. With that said, I love to eat so the places I mentioned above don’t have to worry about closing because I stopped eating there. You will still see me just on a semi regular basis now.
Another thing we did during this month was getting out and driving around our beautiful part of the state. That will continue to happen too. Slow down. Enjoy what we have here. Make memories with your loved ones at a state park or your favorite natural area. Take your little ones fishing. Go bike riding or take a walk. Look online and find some craft making ideas that don’t take a lot of time or money. Work a puzzle. Get your little ones some colored markers and paint. Watch a movie. There are so many things we have done that required little effort and created a lot of smiles. Remember those things.
Remember the businesses you missed during this shut down. Go visit them. They need and appreciate your business. I am so ready for some buttered popcorn from Tinseltown Theater in Oak Ridge. I don’t even have to go see a movie. I just miss their popcorn.
Think of your loved ones who have missed your hugs and face to face conversation. Go visit them. Stop at your local florist and take them some flowers. Remember neighbors and loved ones in assisted living facilities. Send them cards or flowers and go visit them also.
When the doors open again, head back to church. Many are holding some type of worship service either by using a video stream or a weekly parking lot service. Remember the effort they made to get the word out to you. Support them. Give a little more of your time and with your offering if you can.
Remember all the nurses, doctors, first responders, and everyone who worked to provide the goods and services we needed on a regular basis. Go out of your way to thank them.
Remember those who suffered losses during this time. Some lost loved ones and had to mourn without having a traditional receiving of friends or funeral service. Go see them when it is safe to do so. Others lost businesses and their livelihood. Pray for them to recover both emotionally and financially.
Remember the good things too. Hold onto those and continue to make them a part of your life. You and your loved ones will be glad you did.
Strive to make your life better than normal. I will be doing so myself.
Have a blessed week,
Mike
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13 KJV
