This coronavirus, man. This thing is something else.
One day I’m writing at the library before a Celtics game, then the next I’m self-isolating due to a global pandemic.
I’ve never seen anything like this. Ebola and swine flu are two recent comparisons, but neither of those was this contagious. And that’s not to mention that many carriers don’t even show symptoms.
But yeah, these are weird times. I debated whether I should write about this since I focus more on evergreen content, but with the way things look now, this will be one for the history books, not just the headlines.
I’m honestly not afraid though. I know God is in control and I’ve learned to trust Him no matter what. I’m just an observant guy by nature, and it’s odd seeing how fast we’ve changed to a new normal:
- Schools around the globe are shut down.
- There’s hardly any traffic on my commute.
- And some people’s livelihoods have just…stopped.
Sports, entertainment, nightlife, they’re all gone. So even if you don’t take a trip to the office, there’s not very much to do.
I live in a smaller city so I haven’t seen the biggest changes firsthand, but man, it is different.
Lately, I’ve been searching for lessons in all this different. And one that keeps coming to mind is the reality that things can always change.
Sometimes it’s small stuff like being locked out the library or missing your favorite honey wheat bread. Other times it’s doubt about that “steady” paycheck or even the safety of your loved ones.
This virus has reminded us of how fragile everything is. We’ve poured our heart into work, sports, and pleasure all for them to shut down till some undetermined date.
We obsess over temporal things and then wonder why we’re so empty when they’re gone. We forget that nothing is guaranteed on earth. We’re not promised our jobs, our lifestyles, or our health. And it’s times like these that make that fact clear as day.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19-21)
Set your eyes on the eternal—that’s what Jesus told us to do. Only then will you see with the right perspective.
When you hear rumors of war, watch legends pass, or face a global crisis, you have to remember what’s constant.
Doing that will free you to have joy in forced isolation. It’ll allow you to find peace in the midst of change.
No, that’s not to say you should avoid practical matters—buy enough food to last, be conscious of your hygiene, and do whatever else is necessary—but focus on a reward that can never be taken away.
That’s what I’m doing now, and it’s what I’ll keep doing going forward. (I’m also reading a lot and spending way too much time thinking about honey wheat bread.)
I won’t bore you with everything else I’m doing though. I’ve already read twenty blog posts suggesting the same activities, so they’re not anything special.
But anyway, thanks for reading. I pray that you stay safe and make the most of your situation too.
-Drew
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