Our two-year-old son, Azzan, is blissfully unaware of the pandemic that has halted the world. Azzan is currently living his best life. He has no idea what has happened to the economy. He has no concern that he can’t go to daycare for the foreseeable future; he knows nothing of the anxiety and fear that is gripping so many. All he is aware of is that he has much more time with his parents. There are more family meals, more walks, more time in the backyard, more playtime, more “helping” mommy cook and “helping” daddy vacuum. It is his best life.
This reminds me of a social media post of an Indian celebrity who posted about their children’s reaction to the 21-day lockdown in India. Though the world is literally falling apart, this celebrity’s children were ecstatic that they get 21 whole days with their father, who can now not jet away on business. This unadulterated time with their parent is all his children want.
My heart is warmed as I see the various videos, commercials and social media posts of how people are still connecting. I saw people line the street (6 feet apart) with posters and balloons to welcome home a 15-year old cancer patient. People are celebrating birthdays through Zoom. An elderly man sang “Amazing Grace” through the window to his ailing wife stuck in a nursing home. People are leaving flyers in their neighbor’s mailboxes in case they need groceries or medications delivered. People are making masks to share with strangers. Families are leaving toilet paper at their door for delivery people to pick up. It makes me proud to be human.
This time of COVID-19 has also made me even more proud to be a Sligo Pastor. I’ve had members call me asking me how they can help our elderly. Can they pick up groceries or medications, or can they just call someone to say hello and offer support? Hundreds of calls have been made over the last two weeks by Sligo members, elders, ministry leaders and pastors. Members have delivered groceries and medications to members they don’t know. Sabbath School classes, Homes of Hopes are meeting virtually and continuing to support and encourage one another. Some Journey Groups that usually meet once a month are now virtually meeting twice a week to check in and encourage each other. Another Journey Group started exercising at 5:30 a.m. daily to help ease anxiety and stay healthy during this time. Our members are caring for each other. Love in the time of COVID-19 truly makes me proud to serve in a church such as this.
In this unprecedented time, there are uncommon opportunities to love our families, our neighbors, and even strangers. There is fear; there is sadness; there is loss; there is death. Let us bring light, hope, love, and kindness. Let us continue to connect with our families within our walls and beyond our walls in any way we can. One thing COVID-19 has taught us is that life is far too precious and that the connection between humans is essential even when it is 6-feet apart.