"Oh yeah. That was before covid."
I heard while sitting at a table of strangers for a wedding. My mind began to tear that statement apart, linking together similar ones such as:
"We did that pre-covid."
or
"Was that before or after the pandemic?"
or
"That party had to of been before covid because we weren't wearing masks..."
The pandemic of 2020 has become a time stamp for us, sometimes without even realizing it. The event was so huge, it shook our world-the real one and our own circle. Somehow it made other things feel like a blur, the previous normal, because now we act like living through a pandemic is completely normal or even to be expected. But during our reflection of covid, I am sad to say I think many of the positives are overlooked. Maybe these are overlooked by the negative political views, people's own perception, or mistrust.
The pandemic changed us all, whether you want to admit it or not.
Let's go further.
We can say without a doubt that the pandemic of 2020 was tragic. Countless lives were lost to the virus, health care workers were burned out, families were divided and still haven't made amends, and we have come to live with a new threshold of abnormal awareness.
That isn't my focus today though; let's look from a different perspective.
Why are we so prone to go to the extreme sides of covid, the politics, overabundant fear, or carelessness? Why can't we call it how it is, and why can't we reflect on the true effects?
Most people don't want to read about covid anymore, they have had their fill. I have had mine too. But reflecting on the past can bring us a better future, and I've been holding this one to myself for a while, so here it is:
Remember how churches became innovative? We did online services, outdoor services, when doors finally opened we multiplied services? Remember the tens of hours spent on editing the videos so that people staying at home could still be a part of the body of Christ? What about how people came together to paint their windows and bring a little more joy into the world? Do you remember how some people put up Christmas decorations, just to lift other's spirits? Maybe you didn't do this, but let's reflect on our parking lot meetings where we stayed six feet apart to yell to our loved ones and we can't forget our kisses through the windows. Look back at the mask makers, the health care heroes, the people who learned how to work from home and never did before, reflect on how far we have come with technology or even online school.
So now I ask, what did the pandemic teach you?
If you answer "nothing," then I feel sorry for you. You are wasting the opportunity of a lifetime to learn, to grow, and to change. The best progressions often come from disruptions.
So now I ask, how did the pandemic change you?
Did you become more cynical? Did you become more afraid? Did you start to appreciate life more and be reminded of the true value? Were you woken up to stop taking your fellowship time for granted? Did you lose friends and gain enemies, was it worth it?
The beginning of 2020, (pre-covid), I started a journal to write down one nugget I learned each day. Little did I know, I was about to go through a whole world wide pandemic that I now read about in my biology book.
I'll share a few of my pandemic lessons with you:
Every time there has been a negative change, God brings positive out of it. He is faithful.
(March 27th, 2020)
The Church is the body.
(March 29th, 2020)
Enjoy the little & big things.
(April 4th, 2020)
Choose joy.
(April 19th, 2020)
Serve People.
(April 20th, 2020)
Enjoy every minute.
(May 16th, 2020)
The list goes on. I learned both grit and gratitude, rest and resolve, holding on and letting go. I'm glad I wrote down my daily lessons. I'm glad I documented the masks, the chaos, the family reunions, because even though we look back at it as "normal," the truth is, it wasn't normal. The pandemic wasn't expected in my life or yours, and we shouldn't pretend that it was. Not everyone gets to experience one.
This blog may seem late to the draw, but I think it's at the perfect time.
As we truly move on from the global pandemic, let's not forget to enjoy our family time, love a little harder, reflect on the good, remember what is truly important, learn from the past, and most of all, show a little more kindness and grace.
Thank you for joining me, reflecting with me, and challenging me.
Grace and peace,
Evelyn
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