The COVID-19 Coronavirus has changed our lives. What once was a daily routine is currently a thing of the past for most of us. We miss the days of being able to shop, eat in restaurants, visit loved ones face-to-face, attending sporting events and concerts, worshiping in our church, and numerous other things. Even going to work has changed. Many people are working from home. Others have seen their hours severely reduced, while more have lost their jobs altogether.
It is up to us to help find a way to make it through this awful time. This pandemic is causing many of our families, friends, and neighbors to worry. That is totally understandable. Remember them in your prayers and let them know you are doing so. It could provide some much needed comfort.
We are being asked to stay home, limit our interactions with others, and visit the grocery store only when it is absolutely necessary. Some of us are more susceptible to this virus than others. Please remember those individuals if you are healthy enough to go out for groceries. Make a call. Check on those who might need you. They may be well-stocked with food, but hearing a friendly voice and knowing someone cares might make all the difference in the world.
Find a way to involve your young children. Their lives have changed, too. They miss their teachers, friends, and school staff. They may not have the creative outlet they get at school. Have them make cards or drawings for their elderly neighbors or those who may live alone. Use sidewalk chalk to brighten up your sidewalk, driveway, or wooden fence. Brighten up the neighborhood. Some communities are having things like teddy bear hunts. Families can drive through their town, and count the number of bears people have placed in windows or on their front door. It’s a safe way to get out and let the kids have some fun at the same time.
Musicians in the area have found a way to provide entertainment while practicing social distancing. I know one friend who took her portable keyboard to her grandmother’s assisted living facility, stood outside the windows of the dining room, and played and sang gospel songs for the residents. They loved it and so did the staff. It took little effort and made such a huge impact.
I’m asking you to find a way to make someone know you care and stay safe while doing so. Find a way to thank those who risk their health to provide services for us. Find a way to support local businesses who do all they can to stay open for their customers. Find a way to worship outside of church. When all this is over and life returns to something close to normal, find a way to help the businesses in our community recover from this. Find a way to make up for lost time with loved ones. Find a way to take any of the good things that may actually come from this and incorporate them into your life. Last, but not least, find a way to do more for and with your family, your community, and your church.
Have a blessed week,
Mike
“And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
