What COVID-19 has Taught Me
Updated: Aug 4, 2020
Weeks and days before coronavirus became a pandemic, I had been struggling.
Struggling with totally understanding the meaning of life. I lost some joy for daily living. I had been putting too much emphasis on things of this world. I enjoy the things of this world like going out to eat, shopping, success, status, money, Starbucks, Target, thet list goes on. As much as I thought those things didn't matter to me, they did in some regard. I was so far consumed in the things of this world, that I was losing some of my self. I felt like I had been going through the motions in life, not appreciating everything I had.
I love the feeling of being in God's word and living each day grateful. I strive to do so every day, but I am human. I fall far short of perfect. As much as I try, I fall into slumps, or stop reading as much as I like to. Things happen, situations happen, but one thing I know is that if I put as much emphasis on being in the word, and consulting God with every area of my life as I do just enjoying worldly things then I would be in good shape 99.9% of the time.
It truly hit me, once our world started changing before my eyes hour by hour...anxiety, stress, worry, fear all began to overwhelm me. My connection with God was slightly lacking...I wasn't putting all my trust and faith in the creator, the author and perfecter of life.
Silly me, worrying again about things that are out of my control. Being an imperfect human, it's nearly impossible to not fall into that trap once in a while. But what we must learn is to not stay in that place of fear, worry, anxiety. We can visit that place, it is natural, we can't help but think that way once in a blue moon - but don't let it consume you. Don't build a home there, just be a visitor.
What COVID-19 has taught me in this short time:
Life is precious - Life can change in a matter of hours, whether it's a virus, financial loss or gain, the loss of a loved one, the list goes on. Treat every day like a gift and appreciate those around you, treat others with love and respect, tell others how you feel and spend time with those closest to you. Appreciate the little things in life and spend time doing what matters and feeding your soul.
It's not about things - I had a friend who was supposed to be getting married on March 20, 2020. With everything going on, the wedding was cancelled and they were married in a home on Tuesday evening. This one truly hit me. Wow, what an admirable thing...I thought. We make weddings about the guest list, the decorations, the venue and event as a whole...when in reality the most important part is the two individuals about to join together as one in the name of God.
Basic is okay - Living a simple life is all you need. You basically just need food, water, shelter, source of income. I completely find joy in decorating, new clothes, all the luxuries the world provides. However, there is a difference between enjoying those non-essential things and putting value into those things. THINGS are not valuable. People, experiences, relationships, time, intangible things are much more precious and valuable. So make sure we are placing worth in what matters.
Normalcy and simplicity is underrated - To go out to eat with a friend, family member, boyfriend...so simple, but so enjoyable. Having fresh produce in grocery stores at your fingertips whenever you need is such a privilege. We are so blessed to live in a place where everything we need and way more is always available to us. Everything is so accessible, so quickly and even with a touch of a button it becomes easy to take so many things for granted. Or get frustrated about little things, like when your favorite phone case is out of stock....now think about how crazy that sounds when some people can't even get fresh food when they actually need it.
Together is better - This is truly a time where we all have to do what is best for others. Even if someone isn't sick, staying home and social distancing is saving others. Isn't that what showing God's love is all about, not what we can and should do for ourselves, but what we can do for others. Sacrificing social events is the least we can do, and we can be reminded that God made the ultimate sacrifice for us when he sent his son to die on the cross. So when you feel bored, sitting on the couch quarantined, working from home or not seeing your friends and family....Think about how much harder that sacrifice was, for the greater good of us all.
I hope that everyone who reads this can take something positive away and reflect an attitude of gratitude at a time like this. Although this is a hard time for many and that is not taken lightly, I hope we can find comfort in remembering who is ultimately in control. I appreciate that this event has given me time to slow down and reflect on life. Time to reconnect with my faith life. Time to pray for my family and friends. Time to be calm. Time to think. Time to stop rushing. Time to be reminded about the blessings in my life. When this is all over, I want to continue to look out for others as much as we are now and continue to lean on God in all good and bad situations..not just when we need him most.
Your Girl Next Door and So Much More, Danika Tramburg