What We Learned from the Coronavirus by Janet Li
A year and a half ago, in an icebreaker session during an online small group meeting, I asked Christian brothers and sisters what kind of boat they were in during the Coronavirus pandemic. The answers range from hanging to a buoy and barely making it day by day, to being in a small sailing boat with just enough supplies, to being on a big oceanliner calmly weathering the storm. The answers and reasons are eye-opening. We may think that having more financial resources would give us security for life, but that is not necessarily the case. As the coronavirus stretches on, multiple problems can surface in people’s lives, whether it be the deterioration of one’s physical health, loss of a loved one, financial crisis, mental health issues, feeling fearful, or just getting frustrated and bored.
When the pandemic first came upon us, I had no idea it would last that long. After the governor gave orders that most businesses were to close, I grabbed a few of my work files, so I had enough work to do at home. I didn’t think that I would need more than a week and a half’s worth of work before we would be allowed back to the office. Little did I know that a week would turn into a month, a month quickly turned into two months, and a year and a half later, our lives have forever changed. Parts of our lives have become “virtual.”
A few weeks ago, the mask mandate came off, and many resumed “pre-pandemic activities”-- going to theaters, flying to vacation spots, and packing sports stadiums. Then today, I heard that many counties are requesting people to mask up indoors again, even for the vaccinated. Then a thought came to me- what if the coronavirus never truly goes away? Without minimizing the devastation and the negative effects of the coronavirus, what have we learned from it? And how can we handle life more positively from the pandemic lessons?
Reprioritize our values. The pandemic forced us to reflect on what is most important and reprioritize our lives. We may realize that visiting our family and hugging our friends is not to be taken for granted. Even fresh air is not to be taken for granted, as we had to mask up under most circumstances. For example, in California, wildfires reflected an orange sky, so there was no fresh air even outdoors. Conversely, we learned that many things we used to consider important might not really be that important—we learned to live without them for a year and a half, and we are still doing ok. For example, perhaps the fewer opportunities to visit the mall during the pandemic is good for us as we learn that we survived wearing sweatpants- for some days at least. We can shop from our own closets instead of spending money on new clothes or gadgets.
Learn new skills and adapt. Many people cook at home a lot more as a necessity as restaurants are closed. Some bake for fun because there is not much else to do as most stores are closed. Whether it is out of necessity or for fun, learning a new skill has meaning and value. During the pandemic, we learned that we are adaptable and creative. Many bars had to close unless they also sell food. Many tea joints started selling snacks and a variety of food so they could continue to operate. When restaurants had to close the indoor seating area, many businesses started to use patio dining, to-go service, and delivery services. I even read about some smart restaurant owners gifting precious items such as toilet paper if customers’ takeout orders reach a certain dollar value.
Problem-solve creatively. The pandemic has disrupted many people’s routines. Parents have to work and babysit at the same time. People who would otherwise be more efficient working at their offices may have to share makeshift tables at home or work inside a closet. Others may have to wear headsets the whole day-- not that they listen to their favorite music, but because they need to concentrate and block noises from roommates or crazy neighbors. Nevertheless, we can share our burdens to problem-solve creatively. Even if our problems remain unsolved at the end of the day, just the fact of sharing and listening to each other lightens our load and comforts us.
Appreciate the heroes around us. In the midst of the pandemic, we see sacrificial healthcare workers tirelessly caring for the sick.
We see dedicated scientists and researchers racing around the clock to find a cure to save the world, developing vaccines at lightning speed. Loving Christians and volunteers step up at food pantries to serve vulnerable populations and lonely older people. Together with caring church leaders who quickly pivoted to stream worship services online, we see how people come together to show love and care for others, which is so beautiful to see. Perhaps many who would not otherwise go to church start watching online sermons or listening to Sunday service radio live streams.
Acknowledge there are some benefits. Before video conferences became the “norm” for meetings, and we wouldn’t think of asking if a meeting was “in-person” or “virtual,” there was not much of an option to escape gridlock traffic if one does not live close to work. Now, some can save time driving long hours to work and get as much work done. Many insurance carriers also refunded car insurance premiums partially because fewer car miles are being driven. We couldn’t end a meeting on the East Coast and then quickly go to happy hour in “downtown Los Angeles”—virtually. While we couldn’t physically meet up with many people during the pandemic, we became closer to each other in terms of time and distance due to technological advancements.
Keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Christians aren’t immune to life’s storms and icebergs. But as children of God, the Lord promises, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) Jesus invited us to trust in Him with all our hearts and acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths. (Proverbs: 3:5-6). Instead of focusing our eyes on the raging sea, we recognize that Jesus is with us in the storm and through the love, care, and support around us. With Jesus in our boat, it does not matter what size our boat is.
Janet Li enjoys storytelling opportunities to share what God has amazingly done in people’s lives. She also loves to capture the beauty of God’s love through nature photography at beaches, parks, and trails in sunny California.