Can we all join in one more prayer that we are finally approaching the end of the COVID pandemic? In this time, I find myself contemplating the lessons of the last fifteen months or so. We certainly can’t overlook the hardships that COVID brought. Beyond the obvious pain of illness and loss of life, the pandemic response also brought mental, emotional, and spiritual trials from fear of COVID, isolation, and financial hardships. Some of our brothers and sisters are suffering more than others, and we must keep everyone in our prayers.
Still, I want to take time to consider what we might have learned during the pandemic. We know that the Holy Spirit often produces abundant fruit in times of trouble. How did He work in our lives during COVID time? Despite difficulty and heartbreak and pain, is there anything we can learn from this whole mess to make things better going forward?
I can summarize my greatest lesson in my word of the year. I got the idea for a word of the year from the ladies of the Abiding Together podcast. Click on the link in the last sentence to get to their site, and listen to their first episode in January, 2021, for a deeper explanation …or probably their first episode each January. While you’re there, enjoy lots of episodes. They are a blessing!
But my word of the year is “simple.” For me, this is the biggest lesson of COVID. When I was able to look away from the worries of that time, I realized that the general pace of life slowed down. Although I missed so many wonderful activities that usually grace our lives, there was a beauty in the simplicity that was forced upon us. The sometimes frenetic pace was gone, and we were left with time to rest and enjoy the family.
Of course, I realize that I was very fortunate in that regard. Some people faced complete isolation and loneliness. For others the pandemic caused so many more difficulties, that they would see that time as anything but simple. I am certainly grateful that we found peace at my house. My hope is that I will avoid over-booking my life from now on so we can recapture moments of simplicity throughout our lives.
But that was my lesson. I would love to hear from you. Are there any big lessons for you as you look back over the time of COVID shutdown?