April 06, 2020

What Have You Learned In A Pandemic by Bob Jones


This whole COVID crisis is sad, senseless, and at times, traumatic. When psychologists work with trauma, a key feature to helping someone work through trauma is to help them find the potential positive outcomes they can effect. What can you learn, in big and small ways, from this crisis?

I'm learning how often I touch my face. Now that I can't touch my face it's all I want to do - rub my eyes or scratch an itch or rest my chin on the back of my fist. Ugh. I’d like to know what you are learning. At the end of the post there is a way for you to join the conversation.

Look and Listen
Seeing the resiliency, tenacity and ability to pivot quickly in the leaders around me is inspiring. Bob Jones

Our comfort zone is not a growth zone. Les Paulsen

I’ve made an observation more so than learned anything. In places where you encounter other people I’ve noticed more eye contact, incredible respect for each other and distancing, and way more hellos from a safe social distance. Daniel O'Neill

How amazing people are. When we have had a need it has been met. And how great technology and internet is! Rebecca Pearse

I am learning that ‘waiting for it to be over’ translates into a lot of time wasted now that could be intentionally productive. Now that we are headed into Week 3, I’m starting to listen to what God is calling me to in this time, in this place rather than planning for a future activity He may not care about quite yet. Lori Masse Bourgeois

Aha Moments
I realized that we as Canadians say "how are you" in our greeting. But now I hear people actually asking each other how they are doing. Sounds very different. Charity Mongrain

Besides all the good points already made, I've noticed many family members of our residents who are, perhaps for the first time, gaining insight into what their parents went through, were traumatized by, and with God's help survived and thrived. Towards a greater understanding - for some their folks are already with the Lord, but there are 'aha' moments! Karin Laser Ristau

Relationships
I appreciate the people on the front lines of this battle. Nurses, doctors, police, fire fighters, people who work in grocery stores. We need to lift these people up in prayer. That God would continue to give them strength, protection, and provision for supplies. I say thank you. Angela Woods

Fruitful
I’m currently reading Chasing Vines by Beth Moore & it has been so timely because she’s writing about abiding in the vine. How the Bible uses the vine in so many scriptures. We are the branches grafted into the vine through Christ’s death & because of this, as we Abide in Him we can be assured that our lives can be fruitful. In all of this , let us “the church” be fruitful! Kathy Miller

I have learned how much I NEED a place of fellowship and worship. C.J. Godkin

I like to think that the old normal has passed away and He's doing a new thing - transformed normal. Moving us from normal to a new season, a new normal for the church and Canada to a transformed nation. New transformed normal not "back to normal" but drawing us to being transformed again by Him with a new zeal!! Lerena Greig

Grace is amazing!! Grace for one another - not only as a “global” concept but it the nitty gritty at home. It really helps!! Anita Pearse

APPLICATION: What are you learning? Please leave a comment below.

8 comments:

  1. I'm learning the importance of surrender, not only because of the pandemic but since my latest health issues. Once I let go of trying to control everything in my life and just LIVE IT , moment by moment, I find there is less stress and anxiety and i take more joy in the small things.

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    1. Tracy, you echo the sentiment - "Out of control and loving it."

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  2. I am learning to LISTEN. Firstly, to God, whose Word and Spirit are more resonant without so many activities and distractions. Secondly, to myself, not in a self-important way, but listening to my body, my thoughts, the whisperings of my own soul in response to this world crisis in light of eternity. And thirdly, to others. Their voiced or unvoiced fears, their courage, their hope, the distillation of those things in their lives which are most important to them. And to the world, crying in grief, madly scrambling for self-preservation, calling across an imposed gap, and yet still refusing conversation with God. "Be still and know that I AM God."

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    1. Listening is a rare skill. Good that you are developing your ability, Valerie.

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  3. I'm learning how busy a person can be, even when they shelter-in-place. I'm retired, but family needs and volunteer duties still have to be met, even if it's done virtually. Busy is good.

    I'm also learning how devastating it is for those who have to see someone they love suffer, and have no recourse to relieve that suffering. Without God, how do people bear it?

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    1. Ironic isn't it? I imagined when I was at home working I would be able to get some delayed tasked accomplished with some "free time." Nope.

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  4. I’m learning to rest. There is much that keeps me busy at home, but I’ve started forcing myself to take time away from the work. A walk in the neighbourhood introduced me to people I’d never met before, and kindness and sincerity when asking if all in one’s house are okay.

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  5. Rest is good, Joy. Isn't that cool how in a time of isolation you meet people in your neighbourhood for the first time.

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