The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we all view the world, and as the events of the coronavirus continue to unfold around us, there are many lessons we have all learned. Here are ten lessons that we have learned from this pandemic.
1. There is No Such Thing as an Unimportant Job
It is clear that the jobs we thought were trivial four months ago, have become prominent today, like truckers, janitors, sanitation workers, store clerks, and the like. And the jobs we thought to be prominent have become trivial like engineers and teachers. It is true what they say “there’s no such thing as unimportant jobs, just people who feel unimportant about their jobs.
2. The Importance of Unity
9/11 brought us together as a Nation by a visible enemy, and today we are being brought together by an invisible enemy. History has shown us that in the face of adversity, we become strong.
We may lose some battles, but we are not losing the war. We are going to overcome this virus, it’s going to knock us down, but we will rise as a nation because “United we stand and divided we fall.” We are going to show the world our true colors that we are the United States and not the divided states. See my article on COVID-19 the call for Unity.
3. The Small Things in Life Become Great in a Time of Crises
We should enjoy the little things in life because one day we’ll look back and realize they were the big thing. Like toilet paper, sanitation wipes, disinfectants, paper towels, and washing your hands, etc.
We come to appreciate the smaller things in life, those things that we have in the past taken for granted, this includes time and patience; two necessities that we have always taken for granted, now are the key to overcoming this enemy.
4. There is a Hero in All of Us
I thank God for our Doctors, nurses, police, and others who are making the sacrifice to save lives, and their efforts and sacrifice are to be highly honored. However, there are those individuals not wearing a uniform that are on the frontline as well and making sacrifices to help others. They are our unsung heroes, like the postal service, truck drivers, volunteers, and those reaching out to help their neighbors.
5. The Importance of Living in the moment
Life passes us by in the blink of an eye, therefore let us appreciate every moment. This pandemic has put many of our lives into perspective. We learned the reality of how short life is in the face of a crisis, and that sometimes it takes the difficulties of life for us to fully understand that each day is a little lifeline and that we should enjoy every moment. See my article on “There’s no such thing as a bad day” that expands on this concept.
6. The Importance of Family
You don’t choose your family; they are God’s gift to you. And this pandemic has shown this to be true, as we go through this crisis, we need the support and encouragement of our family. They become an anchor in rough water. It was Maya Angelou who said, “I sustain myself with the love of family.”
7. Kindness Goes a Long Way in Saving a Life
The pandemic has brought the worst out in a few, such as those who are leveraging this as an opportunity to get rich. However, it is the overwhelming majority who sprung forth in giving their best and reaching out with a heart of kindness to help others. There are countless of stories around the world demonstrating sincere, heartfelt acts of kindness.
8. T he Impossible is Possible
However, impossible is only a present thought in our minds that becomes a reality in the future, and we must believe that overcoming this virus is possible. Louis D Brandies said it best, “Most things worth doing in the world have been declared impossible before they were possible.
Who would have believed that an unseen enemy would bring the world to its knees, it close borders, kill thousands, crash economies, shut down industries, and change the lives of everyone on the planet in a matter of months. And this time last year we would have never thought this possible.
9. There’s no Place Like Home
The pandemic has brought many of us back to the foundation of a family, which is the home. Home is where love resides, where memories are created, friends are always welcome, and laughter never ends. It is where we can find safety, comfort, love, and assurance; “Home” is the foundation of a family, and it is there where the best journeys take place.
10. Isolation is Not a Bad Thing
The pandemic has forced many of us to shelter-in-place, work from home, attend school and church services online. We have even began the practice of social distancing.
However, amid this isolation, we are not only reducing the spreading of the virus but leveraging the opportunity to bind closer to loved ones. Many of us are taking the time to learn a new skill or two or finish that book. And with the temporary closing of the restaurant industry, people are eating home and having family dinners again.
Learn From It
The pandemic has brought out the true nature of who we are as individuals and collectively as a nation. We may lose many excellent and beautiful people, but we must hold firm to our faith and not lose hope. It’s not going to be easy, and it is going to be a harsh road to recovery.
Life is a series of experiences, and it is through them that we grow, even though sometimes it is hard to realize it. They made us who we are and both good and bad, but and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us on our path to move forward.