As we continue to go through this pandemic together, most of us are eagerly looking forward to an end to stay at home orders and business closures. The reality, however, is beginning to sink in that even when that does occur, it will likely be some time before things return to normal.
It seems probable that social distancing, mask wearing, and fervent handwashing will continue to be with us for a while to come in order to minimize coronavirus. Dr. Fauci has even suggested that we may never shake hands again, though that is difficult to imagine. Economists, too, worry that it will take some time for businesses to recover and get back to full steam and warn that some may never do so.
While we pray about these scenarios and consider what our lives might look like in the coming months, I would suggest that we don’t simply pause and then resume life as normal when the orders are lifted. Let’s allow this extended time of Sabbath to retrain us to be more healthy and obedient.
After the twin towers were maliciously destroyed on 9/11, Americans temporarily turned to God. People humbled themselves and sought His face. Church attendance skyrocketed and prayer became prominent. Unfortunately, it was very short-lived and within months most people went right back to their same old sin as 2 Peter 2:22 says, as a dog returns to its vomit. Let’s not do that! Let’s do a life reset, not a pause.
We’ve really been given a very special gift. Behavioral experts tell us that if you want to develop a new habit, do it for 30 days. We’ve just been forced to live differently for more than 30 days. Let’s not go back to the old ways that stressed us out, sucked our joy, and took us away from our God. Let’s go forward into new lifestyles that glorify Him, bless others, and benefit ourselves. Why would we not?
Because virtually every community activity and athletic event has been cancelled, many have suddenly found time for family and personal devotions. Praise God! Reading Scripture and praying each day are disciplines we should have been doing all along. After discovering the peace and perspective this quiet time with God provides, let’s not neglect it going forward.
Maybe God is trying to help us discover what in our schedules is essential and what isn’t. Much of the busyness that eats up our lives is really unnecessary and even detrimental to our health and souls. Many have commented on how they’ve enjoyed less crowded schedules and more free time. When the worst of this is past, let’s not go back to the same craziness but let’s evaluate each activity to see if it’s really worth exchanging for a portion of our brief lifetimes. Let’s hit reset and not simply pause.
Many have also commented about how much they miss relatives, friends, and their Christian brothers and sisters. We miss the hugs, handshakes and smiles. Like toilet paper, we’ve taken our loved ones for granted far too long and may this temporary social distancing remind us to never do so again! Let’s cherish each other and love on each other whenever we can for we don’t know when the next virus will hit, the next tower will fall, or whatever else might interrupt our lives. Life is a gift. Let’s use it to do things that really matter.
Most importantly, if this crisis has forced us to face the brevity of life and the certainty of our own deaths, may we look to that which is eternal. Let us turn from any sin and seek forgiveness and rescue from God through Jesus, and then remain obedient and faithful from this time onward.
As we learn to live differently, hit reset, not pause, and take this opportunity to make whatever permanent adjustments in our lives that God desires.
Blessings, George