Most of us have had more time over the last few months to devote to reflection than ever before. And with that time, have come some realizations. Our greatest fears have been redefined, but so have our greatest pleasures.
We no longer take good health for granted. In fact, we now view our own health and the health of our loved ones as a gift that should be treasured. We worry about our loved ones staying safe and healthy. We even pick up the phone and call those special people to make sure that they are safe and that our new worst fears are not coming true.
And many have rediscovered that simple time spent with family and friends is also a gift that should be treasured. Life is not always mean to be lived at high speed. There is immense value in slowing down, sharing time, playing games, reading books, and just talking to one another. We now appreciate the privilege of being able to visit with family and friends after spending weeks at home in isolation.
I reflect on the last few months, and the brightest moments are the ones that involve my loved ones. Each time I was able to visit with my son, chat with my aunt and uncle, text Mom, and read emails from my dearest friends, my heart was filled with gratitude. Sure, I miss traveling, diving, and relaxing on the beach. But I know that I can live without all of those things as long as my family and friends remain safe and healthy. I now know, very clearly, what really matters to me.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Kathy! This is the reset we’ve all needed. I hope as a nation and as a global community we can now choose life! May we go forward together to avoid another similar disaster that has brought so much suffering and loss of life, yet also much good. It’s a choice as Deuteronomy 30:19 says: This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Lovely piece. Yes, the value of time spent with loved ones has gone up. That is a good thing. Many of us will have great memories that we will cherish, even with what we are experiencing. Life will not be taken for granted by many of us anymore. That is a good thing too. Change always comes at a price unaffordable to many. We will recover from this crisis with more wisdom, more value for the important things in life. And that is another good thing. Still praying for our world.