I will remember Friday, March 13, 2020 for the rest of my life. The impact that day made will be felt for a long time to come. It has been a whole month. Schools are closed. Any businesses deemed non-essential are closed. We are supposed to work from home if possible and kids who would normally be in school are e-learning at home. Sunday morning worship and services are watched online from home. If you are not an “essential worker” you are only supposed to leave home to get essential items or if it is medically necessary.
When you think about all the days that have already passed without our usual daily routine and personal contact with others, it can make you sad. Thinking about how many more days there are to come can make you feel hopeless.
In This Time There Is Hope
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24
Instead of looking ahead at all the days we have left sheltering in place, focus on today. God gave you today, so what can you do for Him today?
Shifting Focus
Is there someone you know who is having a difficult time right now? You can do an old-fashioned phone call! Or you can choose a more modern method of communication. There are many different video options available like Zoom, Google Duo, Skype and others. Sometimes hearing a familiar voice and having a good conversation can brighten someone’s day.
Send thank you cards, or if you are able to, make a donation to local hospitals for all the staff on the front lines because they are risking their lives by treating those infected with COVID-19. If you have to go out for essentials, do your part and make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others. Show kindness, respect and patience to those who are working in the service industry since this is a scary time for them not knowing if they will become infected while they are working.
There are so many different things we can still do for others while social distancing, and you can probably think of even better ideas than I did.
When you think about what you can do for others at this time, two things happen:
- You are honoring God, because Jesus said:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
2. You are not worrying about tomorrow:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:24
We will all get through this together one day at a time.
