Don't waste the pandemic

WOW it's been two years since my last post. A lot has happened as it does in life, but never more so as now during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I'm sure many around the world who are contemplating cause and effect, the "Why?", are wondering what is the purpose of all this to us as humanity? We are already seeing positive effects on the environment with cleaner air, less polluted water, lower stress on infrastructure and so on. Which proves that if we want we can make a difference to environmental impact from modern living and the effect it has on climate change.

But that's not all surely.

On the home front we are constricted in our movements, majority of people working from home globally, extremely low travel between countries, and limits on socialization between friends and family. For those of us with the means, we are grateful for modern technologies to keep us connected but many can't just slip comfortably into home-based living and work.

There are millions world wide who do not sit in cushy homes with digital media streaming 24/7.
There are millions who do not have the luxury of working from home but have to go out to work, whether it be hourly paid work, manufacturing, health care, security, police, and such.
There are thousands who cannot work because their places of work has been closed. Theaters, cinemas, restaurants, pubs etc in some countries.

And you wonder why?

I'm seeing how quickly business owners are adapting their product delivery. by implementing home deliveries or order-and-pickup to keep cash flowing.
I'm seeing how local grocery shops are offering retirement home / care home deliveries at no cost.
I'm seeing how large grocery chains accommodate those who are vulnerable to venture out, by having strict access at specific times for them only.
I'm seeing how theater companies are starting partnerships with digital media and television channels to reproduce their stage works for screens.
I'm seeing how a music stage production that had to shut down, had recorded their songs and is offering it for download to help support the out-of-work actors. > Support them here <
I'm seeing how in-person workshops are now extended to use technology to deliver the same.
I'm seeing how companies previously rejecting work from home is now opening that opportunity and might be surprised at the positive results. (There is a whole new world in online collaboration which I will write about in a separate post.)
My list goes on.

But many millions will lose their jobs, economies are tanking so what's the point?

If you've managed to scan through to here I'm grateful.

So here are my personal thoughts about what the point could possibly be.

This worldwide pandemic is giving us a unique opportunity to break with the mundaneness of everyday life. Of 'going through the motions' without thinking of the Bigger Picture.

Epidemics and Pandemics have come and gone through the ages and one thing has never changed. God. 

Did God cause this? No.

Did He allow this? Yes.

So ask yourself. Why? And this is the most important Why of all.

You have to admit that you call to God more often when things get tough. We use Him as a Go-To to get us out of trouble when we lose hope in the things from this world. He calls those who have strayed and those who have rejected in times of trouble. He pulls even closer the faithful to comfort and strengthen our faith.

So here is your opportunity.

DON'T WASTE THE PANDEMIC

Call to God to draw near to Him 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Pray to Him for strength to lift you up

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Reach out to others in despair and encourage them

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thess 5:11

Testify Testify Testify

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 2 Tim 1:8

Praise Him in times of trouble

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Cor 12:9-10

Think about where your priorities lie. They might need some adjustment.

God Bless to All and may you all come through stronger in Faith, closer to God.