By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
The calendar now says summer is coming to a close. Wasn’t it just spring? What happened to the summer of 2020?
Because of the pandemic and the guidelines set into place to protect all of us, our summer expectations probably didn’t happen. Instead, we acquired new skills and faced a new normal. I saw a meme that read: I’m spending my vacation in Puerto Backyarda.
Below I’ve listed the items that affected most of us.
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- Books: e-copies, print, and audio grew in importance.
- COVID-19 inspired us to use our imagination for outings outside our homes.
- DIY house projects kept Lowes and Home Depot in business.
- Determined persons incorporated exercise into their daily schedule.
- Many families grew closer to each other.
- Many people learned to live on a budget.
- Many people experienced spiritual growth and renewal
- Some people acquired a new hobby.
- Some people cleaned their homes – top to bottom.
- Some people experienced weight gain.
- Some people learned how to cook.
- Some people committed to getting healthy.
- Some people designed face masks to fit their personalities.
- Some people exercised for the first time in their life.
- Some people expanded their education and knowledge of the world.
- Some people realized their vehicles had received less wear and tear.
- Some people searched for games in their closets to fill in extra hours at home.
- Some people binge-watched all the movies and TV programs they’d missed.
- Some people worshiped online.
- Staycations became the norm.
Friends, are any of the above items such a bad thing?
Well . . . OK, maybe not the weight gain one. LOLWhile the tragic situation in our world has resulted in numerous sick people, job loss, and even loss of life, we are survivors. Humans are stronger than we give credit. Throughout history, people are shaped by circumstances beyond their control.
We are strong.
We are resilient.
We are willing to help others.
We are willing to put aside our differences to find solutions.
We are made in God’s image. He’s the master at turning bad situations into good.
So what happened to you this summer that has resulted in good?
Comments 9
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I have never cried so much, but it has been, and is still a time of deep learning. God allowed COVID for a reason. It is a tough lesson to learn, but I ham still learning to listen well to God, in order to hear.
Frances, I always look forward to your comments. You are a treasure.
DiAnn, I think the main thing we got out of it was to SLOW DOWN. It prioritized all the meaningless activity that we found could be left OUT of our schedules! While there were some important things we had to miss (Like the KenTen Writer’s Retreat!), we were able to step back and ask ourselves whether or not, in the past, those things we thought HAD to be done, were worth the rush. To me, that’s the GOOD that came out of the whole situation!
Regina, I agree. Slowing down showed all of us what we prioritized before COVID changed drastically. I’m more relaxed and spiritually at peace. Thank you!
We had a summer?
I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that no summer in my lifetime has been stranger. Car full of gas. Nowhere to go. The places I’d like to have visited were all closed. The high point of my week is the grocery store having everything on my list; except for items now permanently off my list, sigh.
So what blessings has this pandemic brought me? I’ve been drawn closer to God. I pray more. Now that my church is having on-campus worship again, I am more joyous to be in the house of the Lord, and seeing in person my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have reinforced my relationships with relatives and friends, and reconnected with ones I’d not communicated with in decades. I found a need to learn how their lives had gone, and it was a wonderful experience. I am thankful for having the technology to rapidly communicate with my circle, and find people who had dropped away from my life. In spite of the terribleness of the pandemic, I am still blessed and loved.
Tim, thank you for your beautiful words. Did we ever imagine a pandemic ushering in a spiritual awakening in us? Love thy neighbor means more than ever. Praise God for the technology to live and share our faith during frightening times.
DiAnn, just to follow up on your technology comment, my church has made recorded videos of our services now for many years. So, we already had the means in place to for our members. When we were unable to physically attend services, live-streaming was also offered. But, here’s the new thing. Our pastor has told us that he has gotten many e-mails from non-members here in Tucson as well as around the country in appreciation of our recorded services. I’m sure some are finding us by Internet searches, but many are watching at the invitation of our members. Just another way God has worked His will to overcome evil.
Thanks, Tim, our church had the live streaming in place too. I’m amazed at how many lives have been touched through during this time. Definitely a blessing!