This pandemic has been like an unrelenting thunderstorm that makes you want to lock yourself in your cellar and not come out until next year. Except you don’t have a cellar. However, even the darkest cloud has a silver lining, and if you look hard enough, there is good to be found in even this disaster.
So for a few minutes, let’s take a break from all the negativity and do what the Bible says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
17 Positives to Think About:
ONLINE CHURCH. Our church has been talking about putting services online for years. We finally did it. Our services are being watched by people all over the country. Our circle of influence has grown. God is not limited to a building. I am thrilled that we can meet together now, but in the future, we will continue to minister to people outside our walls. And now any time I get sick, I can still “attend” church.
PRAYER. When life is scary, prayer helps. When the future is unpredictable, God is dependable. I know my spiritual life is stronger than it was a few months ago, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one.
ENVIRONMENT. Air traffic is down, fewer cars are on the road, and factories are closed; this means that pollution has drastically decreased in many parts of the world. There are amazing pics on the internet of clear skies in places like New Delhi, India, and clear water in places like Venice, Italy. I read there is a resurgence in sea turtles as no one is disturbing their nests.
FEWER CAR ACCIDENTS. That was predictable – if people aren’t driving, they aren’t crashing.
ESSENTIAL VS. NON-ESSENTIAL. People are realizing the store clerks and truck drivers are more important to our lives than sports stars. If the meatpackers are ill, prices go up and shelves become bare. Priorities, folks.
LEARNING CURVE. We are learning so much about how to deal with pandemics in this modern era. There has been much controversy about whether the fatality rate on the coronavirus justifies the shut downs. But what if our next pandemic has the fatality rate of Smallpox (30%) or Black Plague (50%)? Read a history book. Pandemics are part of normal human existence. It’s inevitable that we WILL have another one. Over the last few months we have learned what works and what doesn’t. Our supply chain on the next one will be more efficient.
PREPAREDNESS. Being prepared is not just for Boy Scouts. Having at least a couple weeks of food, toiletries and other necessities on hand is a responsible habit for everyday life. Empty supermarket shelves are a wake-up call. I’ll bet no one will let themselves get down to one roll of toilet paper anytime soon.
WORKING FROM HOME. I did medical transcription out of my home for 14 years. I saved money on clothes and cars. I earned an income while also reaping the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom. I miss it. Many people recently have worked from home out of necessity recently, and personally, I’m hoping this becomes a trend. Less commuting means less pollution. Eating at home is cheaper and probably healthier than eating in a cafeteria and definitely healthier than eating out of vending machines.
ZOOM. I love that Zoom is a thing. Meetings are more convenient. Long-distance learning is much more interesting and interactive than the old way of studying a textbook alone at home. We had a few Zoom fellowship times with our church. It wasn’t as much fun as in person, but I enjoyed seeing folks in their natural environment, holding their pets, and chatting about stuff.
PET ADOPTIONS. I read that people are lonely and adopting pets like crazy, so animal shelters are emptying out.
SLOWING DOWN. We live our lives like rats on a treadmill which isn’t good for our mental or physical health. That saying, “Stop and smell the roses,” is a good one. The pandemic has forced us to slow down, but it’s up to us to smell the roses.
FAMILY. In normal times parents put long hours into their jobs. Kids are away at school and after-school activities and then would rather spend time with their friends than family. Now, families are eating dinner together, doing school together, and finding time to talk. Also, if teenagers are at home, they are NOT succumbing to peer pressure to get themselves in trouble.
CHARACTER-BUILDING. No, we don’t feel like this is a positive, but really, in the grand scheme of life, it is. When we are separated, we realize the value of people. When we are disappointed in canceled vacations, we learn to be flexible. When it takes three weeks for that Amazon prime book to come, we learn patience.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. A young man was unable to have a graduation party, so his grandma organized a “drive-by party.” We made a parade with our cars and held signs as we slowly drove by his house, delivering good wishes, cards, and presents.
GENEROSITY. I don’t know about you, but I’m tipping more when I buy take-out food because I know restaurants are hurting. In my town, hundreds of people are “adopting” high school seniors and delivering gift baskets to them. Social media has even coined a new word, “caremongering.” I much prefer that to all the fearmongering that has been going on lately.
HUMOR. Have you ever heard so many toilet paper jokes in your life? If you want to laugh at your troubles, do a Google search on “pandemic humor and memes.” Since laughter is the best medicine, that Google search might save your life in this pandemic, right?
Now it’s your turn. What positive things have you seen in all this?
