Lessons Learned from a Pandemic

 

            Our government and health officials have encouraged us in recent months to do our part to help contain this pandemic.   We have been told to wear our mask and not to gather for mass gatherings.   We have asked to maintain social distance from one another.   While these actions might have been good for our physical health and the physical health of others, I believe that it has not been beneficial for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.    While I have not  seen any studies about it, I wonder if these social isolation has led to  increases  in the rates of depression in our population. 

            In Genesis 2:18, we read these words:   “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’”    We need to be in relationship and to interact with others.  Think about some of the social effects of this pandemic on normal activities:

·   Linited worship and religious  gatherings for important events  like Easter, Lent, Homecomings, Christmas, funerals, and music programs

·         We have been discouraged from gathering as a family for  good times and special occasions

·  We have been unable to gather in person to support our local sports teams, college teams, and professional teams

·       We have not been able to come together as a community for parades, Christmas tree lightings, and the like

While I am not questioning the merit of social isolation directives by our community and health leaders, I believe that it has not been good for the spiritual, emotional, and mental well being of the general public.   “It is not good for the man (and the woman)  to be alone”.   Perhaps one of the blessings of this pandemic is being reminded how much we need each other and need to be interact with each other.      I, for one, welcome the chance to be able to gather in large groups with people like you again.  Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

 

PRAYER:     I  thank you, Lord and God, for the power, purpose, and possibilities of human relationships.   Forgive me for the times I have taken those human relationships and connections for granted.  Thank you, God, for the people in my life;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.