This morning I was pondering what I’m learning from this whole virus experience. It has been interesting watching the world . . . and the US . . . after a short period of testing and trials. One thing I see repeatedly is the clamor for the government to solve any discomfort. Have we become so entrenched in the Nanny-State mentality that we expect someone else (i.e. the government and the OTHER taxpayers) to make it all better? I fear we have.
So here are my current lessons learned/observations:
- Hard things happen. They’ve always happened. This is just unusual because it’s on a global scale. But hard things have been happening since the dawn of time. It’s part of our experience on earth.
- Wonderful things happen. They always bubble up when hard things are going on. I need to watch for them and appreciate them.
- Our family is where it’s at. Not the government. Not the schools. Not even the neighbors. Our family is and always will be our best and primary source of support.
- It’s important to build those family bonds. Don’t neglect that. And draw on everyone’s unique strengths. Some are peacemakers. Some are cheerleaders. Some are mechanics. Some are cooks. Some are tender. Some are realists. The blend is there for everyone within the family to draw from.
- The schools are not responsible for our children. WE are. They are not responsible for feeding, educating, babysitting, or influencing our children. These are our children. We need to step up and take care of them.
- The government is not responsible for making it all go away. Sorry, things happen. Deal with it. Own it.
- The taxpayers are not responsible for giving you/me money to make things better. Does it make sense to go ask your neighbor for $1,000 to make your life easier? Of course not. The government’s money is OUR money. It’s not free.
- Taking the time to slow down and calm down is such a good thing. In our world with a frenzied pace, slowing is a wonderful blessing. Learn from it.
- When God said, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” He meant it. Being prepared is our individual responsibility. We can keep ignoring it – but we will reap the consequences of that choice. You think toilet paper is important? Try living without accessible food. . .
- Our neighbors want to help us. The mutual support I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks eclipses anything I’ve seen for years. What a wonderful web of kindness we have! We can appreciate it and add to it.
- Faith is everything. In the midst of trials and chaos, the peace that comes from our connection to our Heavenly Father and our Savior is everything. It centers us, gives us hope, blankets us with love. They are ALWAYS there for us. If we have that as our core, we can make it through the hard stuff.
- “This too shall pass” is a true saying. Time is a healing factor. But we should never forget that something else will also come along. So digging into this experience and learning from it will add to our strength and ability to weather the next one. We can grow and learn if we take the time to see and listen and experience it all.
