Lessons from a Pandemic
02/08/2020 19:05
A few days ago, I ran out of my front door, my arms filled with library books. It was an epoch day— after more than four long months, our local library was finally open on a Saturday. To my dismay, I saw that I’d forgotten to change my shoes. I ran back, yanked our screen door open and dashed into our hallway. I forgot to hold the screen door open as I waltzed back in—big mistake! Our screen door banged shut, trapping my left foot and pulling me back. I screamed. As my body still tried to move forward, my foot got free of its shoe and I was thrown forward, falling down with an ungraceful thud. My handbag was tossed aside, my books scattered all over the floor, and my little pet giraffe gazed at me perplexed. What’s going on, Mummy? My beloved heard his wife’s shriek and came rushing indoors from the garage where he was just getting into the car.
“I’m OK” I assured him with a groan and a grimace. I was okay ... but had pulled a hamstring—my thigh hurt like crazy. Ouch! After a few moments, thankful that my bones were intact, I got up with care and made my way to the car (wearing going-out shoes this time), my knight in shining armour helping me.
I learnt a few lessons that day:
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Always hold the screen door open when I walk in, at least until both feet are safely in.
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When in a hurry, do NOT hurry!
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It only takes a second for things to go pear-shaped.
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Be thankful—it could have been much worse.
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My body is not as youthful as it once was!
What a lot of surprises 2020 has brought us! Like a hurricane tearing uninvited into a peaceful paradise, the Pandemic has forced its way into our world. So … what have I learnt these past 6 months? A lot. Yes, a lot! I’ve learnt that life is unpredictable. I’ve learnt that there’s nothing certain in life apart from the fact that nothing is certain! I’ve learnt that Pandemics, like other difficult seasons bring out both the best in people and the worst in them. I’ve learnt that seasons usually pass but some seasons drag on too long. I’ve learnt that enemies are not always visible—some are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
I’ve learnt that life is precious. I’ve learnt that sometimes we have to do away with every known rule—caring for people might even mean keeping away from them. I’ve learnt that pandemics come uninvited and are clever at outstaying their welcome. I’ve learnt that one selfish person can impact many lives. I’ve learnt that life can be fun even in the midst of a pandemic. I’ve learnt that if we each do our part, the world can be a much better place. I’ve learnt that there are many courageous people in the world today who have been a gift to our world. I've learnt that everything I do has a ripple effect and can cause dire consequences to the rest of the world!
I’ve learnt that no matter what, life goes on. I’ve learnt that we are sometimes compelled to step into a pandemic movie and we all become film stars overnight, every one of us! I’ve learnt that today may be my last day on earth. I’ve learnt that I can’t do everything but I can do what I need to do. I've learnt that I need to be less judgemental and more patient. I’ve learnt that our world’s and our nation’s leaders need our support and our prayers. I’ve learnt that I need to be part of the solution.
I’ve learnt too that what I’ve believed about deeper issues of life are still true. I’ve learnt that human beings don’t have all the answers. I’ve learnt that science has helped us reach the moon, but science isn’t everything. I’ve learnt that there is one place I can look to for security in this world—and that place is a Person. I’ve learnt that a pandemic can kill our bodies, so knowing what lies beyond death is vitally important. I’ve learnt that God is always good—I may not understand why He allows suffering but I know I can still trust Him.
I’ve learnt that in Jesus alone, I have my eternal security and hope.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
JESUS (John 16:33)