COVID-19 & Lessons Learned

Wow! These are such unique and unprecedented times we currently live in. The Year 2020 showed up and has shown off! Six plus months ago, we were going about our ‘normal’ life. Work, school, carting the kids to practice(s), church, movies, parks and hanging out with our friends. Schedules were packed full of what we considered “life.” Yet, here we are going into October and everything is different now. Everyone is different now (for the most part).

The effects of this virus and its social distancing look different for everyone. Our family has been waiting on the day it would creep into our home as we anticipated, like any other virus, we are sure to get COVID-19. To some people though, it has been a devastating experience and their lives have forever been changed. Many have been very sick or lost loved ones. Yes, COVID-19 might only have a 1% death rate, but does that percent matter to the families that have lost a loved one? To some, it has caused a heavier burden. There’s been more work, longer hours, and no breaks. Moms and dads are having to learn to work from home while making sure their kids get a little bit of an education or try to help keep them on grade level work, and this has been stressful and overwhelming to many families. To some people, it has been overwhelming as they worry about how they will provide for their family after losing their jobs and try to come up with enough money for groceries and living expenses. Or, some question; “why go back to work? I am making more money staying at home due to the unemployment and CARES Act assistance.” To some, it has been restful. Many are enjoying the extra family time and glad life slowed down from the hustle and bustle. Yes, this virus looks different for everyone, and we are all learning something different about our families and ourselves.

What have I learned during this time?

I’ve learned that our oldest son has many talents besides being a quick math wiz, his love of football, basketball and playing Fortnite (and other video games or just watching TV all day); like making wooden handles for knives, mowing the yard by himself, learning to cook he and his dad’s delicious burritos, working in our small garden and going to his great-grandfather’s house to do manual labor. What? My oldest wants to do manual labor. This involved cleaning out fence rows, riding the tractor, working the horses and just spending time with his Papaw. He has learned the importance of making memories with those you love.

Our daughter is such a bright light with a beautiful soul. She is everything GIRL; tomboyish to sassy diva! Her obsession for painting nails, dying hair and wearing make-up has only increased! Put a bow in her hair, wear a cute romper and don’t forget those cowgirl boots to make the perfect outfit. Yet, she will be happy to throw on a cute t-shirt and shorts to go zooming on her bike with her sweet neighborhood friends or get a little dirt on her hands working in the garden. She loves people, needs people and desires to help people. She exhibits such a caring and tender heart that you will find her playing “house”, “teacher” or “doctor” with her younger brother, singing or humming all-the-time and enjoys helping cook our family meals.

Our youngest son let’s just say there is probably a reason he is the Baby! I call him my little Tasmanian devil. He comes in fast, strong and out like lightening (you know he’s been around). He is the hardest working toddler I have ever met in my entire life. He loves to be outside right by his dad and following his every footstep. He will take his gator and go get vegetables out of the garden, even when they are not 100% ready, he is ready to jump on the lawnmower and help mow over 3 acres, weed eat, build a bird house, paint and ride his bike around the “woop” aka-subdivision loop. He loves as we have watched church live on social media, and assists our Pastor on preaching to our family and taking up the offering! Little eyes watch and pay attention.

After being married to Frank for 14 years, I am still learning new things about him. His new nickname is, “Farmer Frank”. Who would have thought my 'city' boy would love the country life so much?! He started a small vegetable garden out of egg cartons, that transitioned to a box garden in our side yard and the man can grow watermelons! The Lord has reminded me every day how blessed I am that this smart, hard-working, laundry cleaning, burrito making, good-looking, funny guy is mine. Even when his patience is so thin and his temper is short; He is still Mine and I am to respect and love him through it all.

I’ve learned just how good my physical body feels when I slow down and take time for myself. Or, just how good my spiritual self is when I have extra time with the Lord, and, I have really enjoyed those moments. I’ve learned that we need our family, and, more importantly, we desperately need God every day. I’ve learned that sometimes you need a little encouraging to step out and do something you have a passion for, but was afraid to just do it. I’m not good at that, or not qualified, no one would be interested and what if it doesn’t help anyone? All the questions I have struggled with while writing. And, I’ve been reminded repeatedly, that God is good through it all.

I ask, have you taken time to stop and think about what it is God wants you to learn? I’ve heard some say, “This is God telling us to slow down.” Others have said, “This is the Government taking over with more mandates”, or “This is God’s judgment on America.” We will all walk away from this with different lessons learned and even some will have deep scars. This will bring some of us out of one season and place us in another season of life. Just as the different seasons of the year occur, we will experience different seasons in our life; with or without COVID-19. The Lord loves us and makes no mistakes. He is using this time, this virus, this pandemic and this specific season you are in to teach and discipline his children. Look at what scripture says in Hebrews.

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

I count it a blessing that HE loves us enough to use chaos, tragedy, varying life seasons and hard times to bring about good and strengthening to us by refining us through the fire to be more like Jesus. We are all in the middle of this same circumstance…COVID-19 in the Year 2020. The personal experience may look different, but one thing I know is God is wanting to teach ALL of us something.

Ask the Lord to reveal to you what He is trying to teach you during this season:

Do you need to repent?

Do you need to forgive someone?

Do you need to worship (even if that means online or in a parking lot)?

Do you need to dust off your Bible?

Do you need to focus on new ways to spend time with those you love and not so much on what you feel you 'can't' do?

Do you need to grieve and ask God to help you push on through the process?

Do you need to step out of your comfort zone and allow Him to work in your life to minister to others in new ways?

Do you need to thank someone?

Do you need to encourage someone?

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Maybe He is teaching you that reading, math, science and social studies is not the most important things your kids need to be learning right now. Although, we are very grateful for our School Administration, Teachers, custodial team, lunch room workers and all school staff!

Maybe He is teaching you that snuggling up on the couch or taking a walk with your spouse to spend time together and talk is what your marriage needs.

Maybe He is teaching you to slow down and appreciate your life and health.

Maybe He is teaching you to open up your Bible again and delve into HIS WORD to get a renewed strength and desire to serve Him.

Maybe He is teaching you that your old ways were not bringing out the best or most in your spiritual life or church. So He is trying to get you to focus on the new opportunities before you, even though you are not comfortable.

Maybe He is trying to teach you that some things are more important than money, new homes, cars and status.

Maybe He is teaching you to get back to the basics and pick up the phone to call someone or write a letter.

Maybe He is teaching you to look deep into your spouse and kids’ eyes and really learn about them and see them as He sees them.

So, we ask; What is the Lord teaching you during COVID-19?

When life is spinning, pick your focal point!

Frank and Samantha Lord