What have we learned?

    By now every life has changed.  The Coronavirus has been raging for weeks; there are countless numbers infected, thousands of deaths caused by this pandemic and many are on the front lines placing their health and life on the line.  Americans have been directed to stay at home, social distance from others, and only go out for groceries and/or needed medications.
     I could ask a nonsense question such as, "Did you ever think an event of this magnitude would ever occur?"  The response resoundingly would be, we didn't.  Several opinions immediately circle through our communication avenues suggesting:
       1.  Maybe this was a direct attack on our country to cripple our economy.
     2.  Could it be a forerunner of biochemical warfare, something we have always viewed in movies and wondered if possibly it would find its way to us? 
     3.  Still others are stunned we are facing a disease with such profound affects because this country has brilliant researchers and medical intelligence. Certainly they will discover a cure soon! 
     4.  Are we left scratching our heads wondering if we will ever feel free to mingle with the outside world once these restrictions are lifted?  
     What lessons have we learned?  Where do we go from here?  All these concerns add up to same emotional hazard...fear.  Instead of fearing this pandemic, what positives can be gleaned from these weeks of isolation?  Are the questions listed above where you spend the majority of your time and effort?  Is there fear instead of hope continually in motion within your mind?  There are countless constructive ways to pay it forward. 
     *Give to those in need.  Share food and the over abundance of clothing and material goods to those without employment.  After all, haven't we been cleaning out closets during the pandemic?
     *Check on the aging living independently.  Don't know of anyone?  Call your local churches and I'm sure they will share a few names. 
     *Write cards, notes, and express positive thoughts and encouragement to any one of a number of individuals.  People are hungering for contact with others.
     *Call facilities often where family members and/or friends are residents to make sure they are healthy and spend a few precious moments of conversation with them.  Not good with calling on the phone? 
     *Do you sew?  Crochet?  I'm sure masks are needed; crochet afghans for those not being able to purchase any "extras" but have needs.
     Being a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice in the fact this human station in life is temporary.  That statement might not be very encouraging for those reading this entry who do not believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ, but it's true.  You were not made to last forever.  One day your body will simply give out due to age, disease, an unknown accident or any number of unforeseen circumstances, including a pandemic.  We just aren't going to be here forever.  That is a factual true statement.  Doesn't it make sense at least to consider what happens next?  
     The state of our country is one I don't believe any of us have experienced in our years of human existence.  But this I know, God is our Protector, our Strong Tower to whom we run and can find shelter in the midst of the storm.  I don't know the end of this story, but I do know how my story ends...eternal life with Jesus.  It certainly puts fear to rest.

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"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9