Life presents us with many learning opportunities and COVID-19 is no exception. The uncertainties of the disease, and other unknowns, challenge us in unexpected ways and bring out various emotions. The wide range of actions, reactions, and emotions highlight positives and negatives.
Following are some things we are learning about ourselves in the face of a pandemic:
We are Creatures of Habit
My husband and I enjoying eating out most Friday nights and Sundays at lunch. Often, we go to the same restaurant or rotate between several favorite locations. We are not as adventurous with dining as some people and enjoy simple meals and good conversation. With the advent of COVID-19, we have missed those meals out together and the freedom to make the choice of where and when to dine. Others chafe at the unavailability of gyms and hair and nail salons.
Ultimately, we are creatures of habit. Routine and familiarity provide a sense of security, but during these days of precautions, social distancing, closures, and stay-at-home orders, that feeling of security in the familiar vanished. The upheaval of our habits reminds us that we shouldn’t base our stability on routines, but find a firm foundation in faith.
We are Resourceful
COVID-19 restrictions have challenged us in many ways. Among those affected are the graduates of 2020. Graduation is such a rite of passage, yet this year the traditions and celebrations are vastly different. Administrators, teachers, and families rose to the challenge with creative ways to honor and celebrate graduates. While untraditional, 2020 graduates will always remember this time in their lives and those who went above and beyond to make graduation special. The resourcefulness they witnessed will translate into coping skills that sustain forward motion for them in the days ahead.
We are Pampered
America is a blessed nation. For the most part, we do not experience the type of profound poverty found in other countries. Our children to not scavenge in the landfill for food or items to sell. We do not go for days without a meal.
We like our conveniences, expect access to them, and react forcefully when they are unavailable. But while the inconveniences of this pandemic have changed many things about our day-to-day lives,
We are Generous
During these days of layoffs and furloughs, financial strain is real and prevalent. Small businesses teeter on the brink of permanent closure while families struggle to pay bills and put food on the table. But many have stepped in with fundraising efforts, food pantry donations, and loans to aid those in need.
As with weather-related disasters, people respond generously with their time, talents, and funds, helping others and providing emotional comfort and support.
We are Impatient
While many complied initially with state and federal mandates to close businesses and stay at home, it didn’t take long for impatience to appear. Social media posts and protests confirm that we are an impatient people and waiting is not something we do well. We are spoiled to instant everything from communication to information and expect everything and everyone to function on our personal timetable.
Impatience has negative side-effects. Impatience prompts impulsive decisions and actions and often fails to take into consideration long-term consequences. Your impatience negatively affects others and how they relate to you. Self-control is the antidote for impatience.
We are Adaptable
So much changed in the last few months and continues to change. We have figured out how to successfully work from home, navigate online meetings, participate in telehealth appointments, and homeschool children. We have adjusted to less time out in the world, masking like bandits when we do go out, and doing with less at home. We have rekindled the pleasures of outdoor activities, more time with family, and time away from nonstop technology. Despite rapid changes and inconveniences, we have adapted in ways that enhance our lives and change our perspectives.
We are Rebellious
While many would like to believe we are born innately good, we are not. We are willful, rebellious, self-seeking, self-indulgent, and we don’t like being told what to do. We are human, but we are also uniquely designed by God as multi-dimensional beings created in his image. For all our flaws and imperfections, we have the ability to love and be loved; to care, to serve others, to experience deep emotions, and live in a world of unparalleled beauty. Challenges arise. Viruses invade. Crises occur. But above all, we experience life and blessings because of God’s great love and grace.
We are Growing
Perhaps, during this time of upheaval, you have learned something about yourself, or others, that isn’t positive. While you can’t change others, you can work on areas that hold you back. Take courage and do the necessary work to grow during these days. Although challenging, times of testing only make us stronger.
“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NET
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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