(Written shortly after the Covid-19 outbreak, in a place of desperate isolation)
I long for the days of seemingly ages ago. Life was simpler, friendlier, easier, even less complicated. Days filled with crowded restaurants, movie theaters, stadiums, overcrowded classrooms, busy gymnasiums and bustling city streets. I used to complain about crowds, having to wait my turn and all. But now, the gates are locked and the doors are shut. The crowds have dispersed, the children are at home, many businesses closed.
Through no fault of our own, a virus has interrupted planet Earth. It caught a foothold and has come to reign supreme in our society. Yet there is One infinitely greater. And He is by no means unaware. Disease and destruction have reigned over Earth since the beginning of time, you see. This is merely another unfortunate chapter.
I don’t know about you but I’ve been looking up a lot lately. At the stars and the heavens, wondering when God will come to take us home to be with Him and rescue us from this ailing world. He is coming, you know. He has prepared a place for us beyond anything we can imagine. Read Revelation for a glimpse, if you dare.
And yet there are SO many people all over the world far, far worse off than I (or you) am accustomed to. What grace has God that He would allow me a wonderful upbringing in a country founded on freedom. I did nothing to deserve that. That opposite sentiment applies to this virus. Both good and bad permeate our society. That is simply the way of things. Even Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And I believe Him.
I’ve talked to more than a few people who feel “trapped”, whether it be emotionally, physically, financially, whatever the case it’s not a pleasant way to live. And yet, we have our Netflix, don’t we? Where would we be without that, lol.
My advice is perhaps over simplistic it it works for me: Hold on and look up. This too shall pass.
Jim