What Will You Do Differently After This Is Over?

A friend of mine in our small group through church was asked recently two questions in a work-related call. I shared the first one in my previous post. It was, “What are you learning about yourself through this pandemic?” Today I’m sharing the second question: “What will you do differently after this pandemic is over?”

So, I ask you today, what will you do differently after this is over? Is there anything? Or will you keep things just the same? I’ve thought about this question since I first heard it, and I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. (That’s a common occurrence as of late! Is there such a thing as ‘home-bound brain?’)

What will you do differently? What will I?

If there’s nothing you would do differently, or if this question isn’t for you today, then that’s okay. God bless you as you go about your day. Maybe my next post will be more for you. But, if asking this question prompts you to think deeper and spurs you on apply what you’re learning during this season, then let’s continue on together. Let’s look at what we might do differently after all this is behind us.

This pandemic is teaching me much. More than I can share here. Like how you and I and everyone else in the world are connected. We need each other to get through this. It’s teaching me we are not in control. Even when we think we are or try to be or do all the right things to prepare. Nope, the control isn’t ours. It’s also teaching me our world is a frail world, and when we put our trust in the world, our trust collapses. Then so do we.

We need each other.

Based on these truths, it’s not about political party or race or gender or any of this. We need each other, and we need to find a way to get along with each other. To not be so divisive. To stop calling each other names. And, to respect those in authority– our pastors, our government officials, our parents, So, yes, I can love my neighbor, even though she is different than me, believes different than me, or is affiliated with political party different than me. It’s okay to be different.

We aren’t in control.

It’s also not about being in control. This pandemic has loudly shown us the control isn’t ours. It’s God’s. And for reasons we may not know now, He’s allowed this pandemic at this time of our lives. He’s the One in control. Not me.

Where/in whom do we put our trust?

This season has also opened my eyes to where/in whom do I put my trust? Do I put my trust the world? In my money? In celebrities, the government, in others? This pandemic has cemented in my heart the truth of the only One worthy of my trust is Jesus. He’s the only One who will not let me down. I can trust Him completely.

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions.
With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.
Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.

Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT

Amen.

So, what am I prompted to do?

I want to love others better and trust God more.

I’m also aware I did not fully appreciate what I was blessed and able to do before March 15, 2020. (That’s the date our state implemented guidelines to stop the spread of this virus.)

Such as spending time with my beloved family.
Seeing my kids whenever I want.
Attending sporting events, concerts, fairs and community events, organized bike rides.
Strolling through the aisles of my favorite store.
Attending church and BSF in person.
Enjoying lunch with my friends.
Going out on a date with my husband.

I could continue my list with so much more–enough to fill up this page. But I won’t, for your sake. But you get what I’m writing here. Even though I’ve tried to live in the moment and appreciate the here and now while doing those activities, I guess I just never thought about all of them stopping or pausing for a time. Would I have appreciated them more if I knew this pause was coming? Maybe.

I want to live differently.

To appreciate life more, to be grateful for time spent with others, to rejoice in receiving and giving a hug. To realize each person is going through something, and to extend more grace to others. I want to be a blessing and not a burden. To be known for my faith and not my fear. To live this life glorifying God. There’s so much I want to do differently. And the thing is, I can begin today. I don’t have to wait until this is over to make a change.

I can live differently today. And, so, I will. I may not be able do all the things I desire until these physical distancing guidelines are lifted, but I can choose to begin to live differently, right where I’m at. I invite you to ponder the question above, to search your heart for the answer, and begin to apply what you learn. Care to share? I invite you to share one thing you might do differently after all this is over.

Sometimes it takes a season like this to get our attention. It’s certainly gotten mine.

Much love to you today!