“Look both ways before crossing the street!” There’s a phrase I haven’t heard in many years.
“You didn’t even look before you ran out into the middle of the road! I told you to look both ways before crossing the street!”
“Mom, can we ride our bike around the block?”
Dad, throw it to me, throw it to me.”
Things have changed
Until now, it seemed our neighborhood was full of older adults. It turns out we have kids everywhere. It’s a pleasant sight to see and to hear.
It reminded me of my childhood when we used to play outside till night. Sure, we’d come in for supper, but then we’d run right back out to our friends.
These days, however, the children aren’t spending a lot of time with their friends, and if they are, you’ll notice some social distancing even among them.
While walking today, I saw several families gathered together in one driveway, and I couldn’t help but notice the distance between them. Someone needs to get a tape measure out because they were not taking the necessary precautions of being six feet from each other.
Today on a call with a co-worker, I heard a bird singing in the background. He had his window open for fresh air.
In many places around the country, we have forgotten how nature sounds. We have forgotten what the sun feels like and what it’s like to run and play outside.
It’s relaxing to sit outside in the Adirondack chairs and chill. The inside is getting old quickly, and we still have several days to go.
To-do lists are popping up, and those things we have been putting off are finally getting done – at least started anyway.
Change has come
If there’s one thing this virus has done – it’s brought a significant change to our way of life. It has changed our schedules and routines and, in many cases, made life simpler again.
I just wonder how long this change will last and if anyone will adapt and hang out in this way of life after the virus has passed.
I think the most significant change in my routine has been working from home. Working from home is benefiting me greatly in many ways. I save the drive into work and the drive home. I am saving on makeup and hairspray. I don’t have to make lunches each morning. I get more time to spend with God and more time in His Word. I am not stressed out any more about the office bathroom, and I get to hug my dog whenever I feel stressed.
While the virus has been a significant inconvenience for many people, I am choosing to look at the good that is coming as a result. If I don’t choose to look for the positive, I will get buried by all the negative.
I choose to be as upbeat as possible, and admittedly I am afraid of contracting the virus – we all are to some degree. But if I am doing everything I possibly can to avoid it, I can’t ask any more than that from myself.
We hope you and your family can avoid this virus.
What else can we do
We can pray for all those who must go to work in the public square, and we should thank them for their sacrifice.
Let’s make it a point to stick together. Help each other. Lift each other up and love one another. Let’s look both ways before crossing the street.
If nothing else, this virus has shown me that times can be simpler, and it’s ok. I don’t need to look at my phone all day – I still have to work, so I can’t. But when tragedy strikes, we have shown we can come together and defeat whatever we face – together.
As the song from High School Musical goes, “We’re all in this together…”
Be encouraged today that Almighty God loves you and has never stopped loving you! Turn to Him and ask Him to comfort you during these trying times.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
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