4 Lessons COVID-19 Has Taught Me

We are in sad times. We look around and all we see are chaos and fear steering the actions of everyone. So many people have lost their lives to Corona virus all around the world and while we are on the onset of this pandemic, places like Italy are burying people in the hundreds on a daily basis, and many with underlying health conditions are terrified of being the next victim. What have these events taught us? Some think they were predicted and could be part of the "end-time plagues" while others think it caught us by surprise or it may have been engineered by world powers to test out drugs. In the midst of all of these conspiracy theories, what are your thoughts surrounding this event? For me, my mind has been stuck on these four things.

1. Life, and all in it, is fragile!

Have you ever asked yourself why good noble people pass on without enjoying the fruit of their labors? Or maybe you remember making the statement "Life isn't fair". Look around you, what is it we need that we so diligently labor for? Is it wealth? Fame? Significance?

We have seen the wealthy, famous, and most influential people die with no benefits from all they have built. Take for example Kobe Bryant who worked very hard to gain wealth, significance, and fame; retired early to enjoy his labor with his family only to die tragically a few years later. This virus outbreak has taken the lives of over 48,000 people worldwide. What we do not realize is, life and all in it is fragile and fleeting. Ecclesiastes 1: 2-4, written by the wisest man ever lived, says "vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What do you gain from all the labors at which you toil under the sun? One generation pass away, and another generation comes, but the earth abides forever."

2. We take things for granted-Plan for the future

We all have heard the saying, you only live once (YOLO), mostly in instances where people are encouraging some form of lavishing or reckless behaviors. The western world has made us comfortable with the fine things of life so much so that we have forgotten what it feels like to be out of life's necessities. Therefore, forgetting those who are faced with limited resources daily. We breathe in clean air, have consistent running water and electricity, stable employment, and food, and not once do we plan for events in which we may loose it all. What struck me is that we exhibit the same behavior to the return of Christ. I see people who have lived in decent places, with all of their needs and wants met, on the verge of losing it all over the course a month. How scary it must feel to have everything you've worked for striped away, or the possibilities of you not finding in stores what your family needs even with all the money you may have. What has this event taught you? The sudden need for things previously taken for granted? What lessons have you learned?

3. We have misplaced priorities

How long have you been indoors with your families or maybe alone? How do you feel about that? Are you bored from having nothing to do or can't figure out what to do? Frustrated with your kids and the messes or distractions they cause? Tired of sleeping and eating, feeling depressed from getting no social contact or sunshine? If you have experience any of these emotions you are part of the millions of Americans who have become accustomed to the fast life and neglected what should be top priorities. We all will agree that we are out there hustling to give our families a good life. Right? Well why are you so bored and frustrated with spending time with the people you claim to be the most important? We have starved our relationships for years running after vanity. Sadly, many of us don't even remember how to spend time with ourselves anymore either. Instead of spending time reading the word of God, increasing our knowledge or skill in something of value, we are spending so much time on social media engaging in meaningless games as a way to entertain ourselves. We have been given mandatory family time, self-care time, intimate time with our spouses, and we have no idea what to do with this time. This is a time to slow down and enjoy the simplest things with the ones you work so hard for. A time to learn something new, spend time with God, all of those things we wished we had more time to do. Enjoy every bit of it and I would hope it brings you back to the real priorities of life.

4. Earth's time is ticking

Do you know why you were sent to earth? Have you discovered your higher calling? Or you're feeling like your current activities leave you feeling empty with no real impact? Events such as COVID-19, the earthquakes around the world, wars, and increase in hate and violence, should alert us that earth's time is ticking and we need to be prepared in case we are faced with death or our savior's return. No longer can we waste time doing things that only lead to self-edification. But we must begin to serve the world with the gifts God has given us. You were made with a specific function to make the world a better place, and if you die before you get to share it with the world you leave a void behind that no one else may be able to fill. You know your abilities. Is your job allowing you to function at your highest potential? My guess is no. Even if you're working in a field of your passion, jobs tend to confine our true talents and capacities. Unleash your gift today sister, tomorrow isn't promised. If you still need to figure out what that purpose is or need help launching into it, you can purchase my All-in-one Personal Development Planner at a reduced price and get started now!