Lessons Learned in a Pandemic

April 20, 2020. Motivation Monday and I must admit that I’m not motivated.

This pandemic and self-isolation are getting me down. I feel like I went to bed in the regular world one night and woke up the next morning in The Twilight Zone.

As Christians, we know God is in control and will use this chaos for our good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I love God and He loves me so I am claiming this promise.

We all have a lot to be thankful for. I decided to remind myself of the things I have learned in this pandemic.

• I am not in control of anything!

This is a tough lesson for a control freak who always believes she can change things and make them right.

This is also a very important lesson for me to learn. All my incessant worrying will not stop the virus, it will not protect my friends and family, but it will drive me crazy.

Of all the things I’ve worried about in life (and they are numerous), it never crossed my mind that in 2020 the world would be taken over by a virus that has destroyed life and wealth.

This goes to show that worry is foolish and futile.

Everything is in God’s hands and nothing takes Him by surprise.

New Year’s Eve 2020 when everyone was shouting “Happy New Year” God knew what we would soon face.

• I appreciate social media and the internet more.

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with computers and the internet. Lately, it’s been more love than hate.

I have enjoyed Instagram and Facebook and they’ve helped ease the loneliness. I have even been watching Instagram Live broadcasts. The Christian musical group Love & the Outcome host an Instagram Live every morning at 9 am central time. They usually sing a song or two and share a devotion. I’ve listened to them several times. You might want to check it out.

I’ve Zoomed with work and with my Sunday school class. My co-teacher and I are meeting with our seventh-grade girls via Zoom every Saturday night. My church service is live-streamed so I still get to hear my pastor’s great sermons.

• I have learned to appreciate the important things.

The country is surviving without sports or Broadway or concerts. Amazing!

People now have the opportunity to learn more about their family and friends.

I’m sure this is difficult for big families. It can’t be easy to have three or four children in the house all day especially if the parents are trying to work from home. This would try a saint’s patience and how many of us are saints?

On the other hand, when have you been able to spend so much one on one time with your kids or spouse?

The best thing about self-isolation is the fact that we have more time for thinking about and communicating with God. Surely during our long days of confinement, we can find a few minutes to read the Bible or a devotional. I’ve been making Christian memes. If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you can expect to see a lot of new memes coming your way.

This pandemic has given us more time to worship God, whether through music, reading or prayer.

The pandemic is a great tragedy. The loss of life is beyond compare. I pray that it will end very soon. But If we learn to love God, our family, and our friends more, God will be pleased.

Perhaps that is the good He plans to bring from this tragedy.

What do you think? Comment below and let me know what you have learned from the pandemic.