After practicing "social distancing" for months, wearing masks in public, and waiting for everything to open again at 100% capacity, it makes me wonder what it will be like when it all finally gets back to normal. The question is, will it ever be the same again? Or more importantly, will we personally ever be the same again? I think not. We will be changed.
But will we be changed for the better? That may be up to you to make that determination. Change will be either detrimental, damaging, and hurtful; or change can be beneficial, positive, and advantageous. It's really up to you. And a lot of it depends on individual attitude and motivation.
Certainly good things can come out of bad situations. And we are surely in a bad situation. We have the virus, we have racism issues, and we have riots. Sometimes it's hard to see in the moment how good can be achievable in the environment we are in. Can it really be possible to overcome this mess anytime soon? It all remains to be seen.
Perhaps each of us needs to look deep inside ourselves first. Maybe it's time to self evaluate our hearts and our minds. And maybe it's time to change our hearts and minds for the better.
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 119:23-24)
What route, what path, will you decide to take in your journey forward? Below are five ways that these turbulent times could change you for the better, if you allow it to.
1) See Other People In A Different Light
God calls us to love one another. This kind of love is unconditional, regardless of race or circumstance. Will you come out of this crisis we are in as one who listens and tries to understand people? A lot of people are hurting, will you have a compassionate heart? Will you be an encourager?
2) Appreciate Our Freedom
Nothing seems to make us appreciate things more than simply missing having them available to us. Being under stay-at-home requirements makes us miss more than ever going out whenever and wherever. Let's move forward, appreciating the personal freedom we have in this country, and not taking it for granted.
3) Value Family and Friends
Man was not created to be alone. We are social creatures. We like to do things together, to talk and communicate, and to interact. This is especially true of family. Maybe being concerned with our own family's health and safety in these times will increase our love and appreciation for each other. This holds true for friends as well. For Christians, we miss our Christian brothers and sisters -- those who are like-minded in our beliefs and passions. Will we appreciate more than ever our times together?
4) Practice Good Health Habits
One way this virus could change us for the better is by making us more conscientious in our health practices from here on out, including better hygiene. And taking preventative steps to maintain our health.
5) Draw Closer To The Lord
Hopefully, during this crisis, you have turned to the Lord more than ever. May that continue forward. Praying more, acknowledging God more, understanding Him more through Bible reading, and developing a relationship with Him are great positive steps forward. Sometimes we all need a shake up to realize how important God is in our life, and how much we need Him.
So remember, you can choose which path to take in the days ahead. May we all be wise in our actions and decisions as we go forward.
