Moving Past Covid

I am musing about....

Moving past Covid!

Isn't it wonderful to see things getting back closer to normal? At least in the way of no masks (or at least a lot less), open venues,  full or near full churches, larger gatherings, graduations and weddings, open restaurants, decreased hospital Covid admissions, ongoing declines in the Covid stats, etc.

I am so thankful for the way our church, school and community handled the past 15 months; with a conscious effort to keep the health of others in mind, respect the feelings and convictions of others, but still continuing to do life as meaningfully and actively as possible, considering the restrictions and alterations that had to be made.

For many, we have thankfully gotten through it fairly well. For others, it has been horrible.

We all have a story. Everyone was affected in one way or another. Or in many instances, in many ways.

The pandemic has left much in its wake; heartache, challenges, affected health, political unrest, crazy cultural realities, more national violence, increased distrust of police, school children behind in their academic pursuits, a volatile and unnerving economy, closed businesses, unprecedented governmental spending, unsettled questions, maybe hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

Some, many, can attest that it has been a year of great growth. Of more precious time spent with family. Of renewed faith and appreciation for loved ones, health, fellowship and life in general.

But now what?

How do we proceed with our new found insights and perspectives?

Will we slow down a bit compared to the hustle of life pre-Covid?

Will we pray harder for our country and its leaders?

Will we place more value on the gift of being able to assemble, to fellowship, worship and gather?

Will we continue to think of and pray for those affected by the disease or those who have experienced the tremendous loss of a loved one?

Will we read the Word and contemplate the "end times" with increased interest and a sense of greater reality?

Will we pray harder for the unsaved?

Will we check our own tendencies to judge or opinionate in such a way that does not consider the plight and situation of others?

Will we be more thankful for what the Lord has given us?

Will we value more the ability to come and go, to shop, eat out, to travel and experience?

Will we appreciate more fully the efforts of those who research and labor to provide treatments, vaccines and protocols? 

Will we be more cognizant and appreciative of those front line workers in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings who were willing to sacrifice their own time, social agenda's and even their very health to be there and lovingly care for others? For those in administrative positions who took on the hard tasks of navigating this unforeseen scenario which upset the routine in ways like never before?

Will we stop and contemplate how wonderfully the American enterprise works, as business owners became creative and exercised ingenuity in meeting the challenges presented to them, in finding ways to try to keep afloat amidst such turmoil?

Will we give a "hat's off" to the many parents who found themselves juggling work and unsolicited homeschooling, all while maybe mentoring confused and disheartened children, parents who persevered?

Will we hug our dear elderly loved ones all the tighter (when we can) who have been quarantined in the nursing homes for so long; unable to get out, unable to physically be with those they love?

Will we take to heart more fully the importance of freedom and the right to have our own convictions and the ability to act upon them without governmental intervention?

Will we pray more fervently for those in authority? For media? For Truth?

Will we pray with greater intensity for discernment as we navigate these challenging times?

Will we treasure more the only source of pure Truth, God's Holy Word?

Will we look back and be ever so thankful that we have come to this place.....

This place where we are finally seeing Covid in the rear view mirror (hopefully for good?), while at the same time looking forward.....

with renewed hope and gratefulness!

Will we acknowledge that we are at God's mercies and only He knows what the future holds?

Will we be able to go forward with greater resolve, conviction and gratefulness, knowing....

That with Jesus, come what may, He will see us through!!