Are you looking for hope these days? Lately the news and social media is filled with discouragement, and frankly, I'm so tired of it. How about you?
In this season of social distancing I started thinking about what is good in this world and what are the good things that are coming from this season of pandemic.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV
I realized that there are actually a lot of positive effects happening in our society resulting from the coronavirus pandemic -and it's not just me, but several people I've spoken to have mentioned the same thing!
Ready for a Good Report?
Here are my top "3 Good Things Happening in Our World Today Resulting From the Coronavirus":
1) Families are spending more time together
I've seen families out riding bikes, taking walks, going to the park more than ever. This isn't just because our kids are out of school. It's because there are no malls, movie theaters, restaurants and coffee shops to go to, places to travel to, hotels to stay in, as well as events to attend. Families are eating meals at home together (because they pretty much have to) and I believe this is going to impact the future of our society in HUGE ways.
2) Communities are coming together
Despite the toilet paper and the food hoarders out there, most people are willing to show that they care for their fellow neighbor. I think we've just rewound time back to when I was a kid in the 80's when my mom would send me to the neighbors to borrow a cup of sugar. Except this time it's been replaced by "Could I borrow a roll of toilet paper?" -wink, wink! People are now forced to make a concerted effort to stay connected to stave off the fear of isolation, thus creating more connectivity than ever.
3) People are looking for God
So this one is a bit more subtle than my top two above, BUT from all of this fear, there are discussions about faith. I've not only heard it among my own circle of friends and family, but out in the community as well. -who knew that you'd be hearing people talking about the end of the world while shopping at the grocery store? This isn't a discussion to be feared, but celebrated as people are waking up to faith. People everywhere are thinking about death thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. One can only assume that at some point, questions arise internally, "What happens if I die?" and "Is there life after death?". These questions are a very good thing and they are pointing people toward faith.