The Coronavirus crisis has affected us all in profound ways. Every aspect of our lives has been interrupted with no clear timeframe (at this point) for when they will return to normal. Some of the things we used to take for granted, like seeing the doctor or going out to eat at a restaurant, have become forbidden for the time being.
Here are three ways the COVID-19 crisis and the quarantine has affected me:
- I am uneasy and off-balance because I’ve lost my routine.
Before Coronavirus hit, I had a daily and a weekly routine. I got up early and got ready for my day. I kissed my wife and dropped my kids off at school on my way to work. I came home after work and got ready for whatever activities were planned for that evening. I took most Fridays off and I spent most of my Sundays and Wednesdays at church.
Now that routine has been disrupted and I’m having a hard time finding a new normal. Most of the same things are still happening, they’re just jumbled up and in a different order. I’m still kissing my wife, but I see her more during the day since we are both working from home more often. My kids are still getting an education, but they are working from home too. I am still preaching, shepherding, and leading, but I am doing it from a distance and that feels odd.
- I am grieving the loss of community.
By nature, I am an introverted extrovert. That means that I’m not afraid to be alone, but I enjoy social time with small groups as well. I miss being able to visit with people at the ballgame or the grocery store. I miss being able to study for my sermons at Starbucks. And I miss being able to worship and minister with my family of faith at church.
I’m certain we will be able to rebuild a sense of connection in our neighborhoods, schools, and churches, but for now, I feel a sense of loss. I’m enjoying the extra time with my family, but I need to rhythms of life that tie my family to a larger community.
- I am hopeful for the future.
While many things were good before the crisis, not everything was good. I was too negative, too busy, and too dependent on myself – and I wasn’t the only one. If there is an upside to this, it’s that we have an opportunity to change. Moving forward, we can choose to see the positive instead of the negative. We can slow down and appreciate all of life’s blessings. And we can put our faith and trust more fully in the God who created us and sustains us day by day. He is not caught off guard by the Coronavirus and He will use it and the complications surrounding it to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:2-4).
I hope and pray that the Coronavirus crisis ends soon, but that the lessons I learned from it last forever.
How has the Coronavirus crisis affected you? Please share in the comment section below.
I have been enjoying all of your Corona Virus articles! Thank you so much!!
Well said. I’m feeling some of these same things. I am choosing not to go back to the same old routine when the bans are lifted. I like my extra Bible time and spending time with my husband. I like Cooking more and making healthier food. I think it’s good to be cautious about running out all the time. It saves money too. So I’m making plans for a new normal and I’m starting now. It’s like being a Christian. I can start now living the life God meant for me even though the circumstances are not perfect yet.
Love and miss you all.