What have we learned this past year?

By Tom Cooper

The worldwide pandemic was declared a year ago on March 11, 2020. We asked our readers to share what they have learned, how they have changed, who has made their life better, and how their life will be different afterwards. Here are just a few of the many wonderful answers (more are linked below).

1. What have we learned?

• "Having a place to call home, where you are safe and loved, matters. The year highlighted the desperate plight of so many who are homeless and those who are not safe in their homes."

• "Slowing down and being more present is what I’ve learned to do this past year."

• "When beauty is there, masks cannot hide it."

• "I learned that I used to be too busy and that I actually need a bit more alone time. (But not this much!)"

• "Limitation inspires creativity!"

2. How have we changed?

• "I will be giving even more away to others each year. My definition of 'enough’ has shifted."

• "I am much more aware of my privilege as well as my position and power in this world. I've realized how much I can actually change by adding my voice or amplifying others'."

• "I feel vulnerable. Yet, through these new feelings, I also have new appreciation for how profoundly blessed I am, relative to the far more vulnerable in my midst. I’ve been humbled and brought to more compassion."

• "The word surrender comes to mind. Every time I think it or say it, I’m filled with emotion. Sometimes sad, sometimes relieved. I’ve surrendered to things that I can no longer control."

3. Who has made life better?

• "My friendships, and my relationships with my adult kids and family, have deepened."

• "My grandson (of course). The innocence of children and yet the uncomplicated wisdom of simplicity."

• "Front line workers and health care workers."

• "I have stayed connected to my church online."

4. How will your life be different after COVID?

• "I will never take for granted again the opportunity to gather in space with those I love, or even strangers for that matter."

• "Being an introvert, to never take human connection for granted."

• "I learned that I need social contact a lot more than I realize."

• "More reflective of actual blessings versus the concept of mere gratification."

• "My sense of compassion for others. We are all living with a certain amount of disbelief and fear and anxiety, and I feel we need to be gentle and kind with one another."

• "It is better to see people in person, but using (social media) opens up the possibility of staying connected even if I am not in the city."

• "Greater sense of gratitude and wonder for human community and connection."

Here are some scriptures that speak to these insights:

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4: 12-13)

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. (Proverbs 11:25)

How does God’s love live in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. By this we will know that we are from the truth…. (1 John 3:17-19)

Behold, I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

May what we have experienced, learned, and will learn about ourselves, our neighbours, and our God remain with us, our loved ones and the wider communities as we face the future.

Blessings
Tom

March 2020 Newsletter - Pandemic: Pandemonium or Peace?
February 2021 Newsletter - Now We Want to Hear from You

If you're interested in reading more submissions, click here.

P.S If you want to be inspired and encouraged, check out the amazing work our friends at World Vision Canada have been doing throughout this past year by watching their COVID-19 Emergency Response update video here!