Pandemic Tip #4

March 22, 2020

There are a lot of things to do at home during this time of self-imposed isolation. There are plenty of books being offered for free. [BTW, if you can find anything by C. S. Johnson grab it. She writes “young adult” type books along the “urban fantasy” and “space opera” genres.] Want to learn to play the guitar? Look around, someone is offering free lessons on-line. Art classes are being made available for no charge. Chess lessons are being offered for free. There is always YouTube; where it’s been said anyone can learn anything. You name it, it’s probably available. Go ahead and learn something new or brush up on an old skill. The extension of good will is impressive.

The real human need is contact with others. If they are family, friends, and neighbors; the bottom line is humans are social creatures that need to interact with one another. It’s the way we are designed by our Creator. However, at this point we are being told to practice “social distancing” (which some would argue is NOT enough). Which means we are going to feel a deep sense of isolation, even if we find distraction.

Technology has given us several ways to stay connected. To steal a phrase from an old TV show, “phone a friend.” Some of us still have “phones with tails.” (The ones that plug into the wall and have a curly cord between the handset and the rest of the contraption.) Others are carrying incredible computers in our pockets that can even show us live pictures of the people we are chatting with… or maybe write a short note.  Sure it’s not the physical proximity and contact that we crave and need, but it is contact.

Calling someone is a way to find out if some is in need or if help is required. It's also a great time to share stories and maybe laugh together. You never know what you might learn.

Speaking of calling someone, maybe one of the best calls we could make is to God.  In Psalm 86:7 David admits, “In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.” [KJV] David's life was not easy, it should have been but his disobedience and criminal activity cost him dearly. Through it all David maintained his prayer life and experienced mercy and grace.

My suspicion is what we need most is a meaningful, authentic, and right relationship with God. Go ahead, give Him a call. You might be surprised to find that He’s listening and cares more about you than you could possibly imagine. You might just find the mercy and grace you desperately need in this life, and in eternity.