It seems that people have many different ideas on how the world should begin to re-open. It varies from those who think that staying at home is killing the economy or doing more harm to the people that suffer from depression than the virus is actually doing. To other extremes of never leaving the house and thinking everyone should stay inside until we find a vaccine.
I have friends in both camps. The “government can’t tell us what to do camp” and the “if you go outside without a significantly good reason, you’re killing someone camp.” So, what is a person to do in the midst of so much uncertainty? What do you do when you can’t please everyone and your own bizarre thoughts would not be welcome in any conversation?
Here are a couple things that I have found to be helpful
First, if you live alone, I would encourage you to find someone that you can spend time with. Perhaps not within 6 feet of each other, but at least find a way to spend time with them. You can’t live this life completely isolated, you need someone to talk to. Be proactive and reach out to a close friend and ask if you can go on a walk or have a picnic 6 feet apart. Don’t rush your time with them either. Try to spend at least 30 minutes with them 2 times a week.
Secondly, laugh. Seriously, laugh as much as possible. Laugh at random things or jokes that you find funny that no one else would. Find stupid YouTube videos or comedians that you like and listen to them often. We usually laugh when we’re around friends and if you’re not around your friends, you need something funny in your life! =)
Third, find something that stretches your brain muscles and puts your brain to work in some way. Perhaps read a good book or start to learn something new. Create a goal and spend time working towards it. Maybe write a blog, do art work or learn how to garden. Anything that pushes you and allows your mind to work. It will be very rewarding when you accomplish something that you put your time and energy into!
Re-opening
Here in the United States, each individual state gets to decide how and when to re-open. We have states that have opened almost completely, while others are partly re-opened and still others are still “closed”. There are so many thoughts and ideas on what should be done.
I have found it very difficult to figure out exactly what I think. If I’m being honest, I’m not too concerned with my own health as I am a pretty healthy 33 year old. But my dad is in his mid 60’s and we are currently living in the same house. This has given me pause when it comes to going out into the world. So, I have come to understand the idea of being safe for the sake of others. It’s not all about me and my actions can directly affect others.
A rock and a hard place
But I understand the other side of the argument. We can’t shelter in place until we get a vaccine, because we have no idea when a vaccine will be created. Those without jobs can’t live at home with no pay forever and our government can’t keep creating money out of thin air to pay them.
Both sides of the argument have merit. Which means we need to find a way to live together in a healthy and right way. I want the world to go back to normal as much as the next person. But we need to realize how our actions affect others, no matter which side we are on.
My challenge to myself and the reader: Let’s continue to think of others and find ways to bless and love those around us.
Jason LaLone was on staff at YWAM Brisbane and is currently in America working with Truro Anglican Church located in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about discipleship, taking Jesus’ command to make disciples a practical reality that he can live on a daily basis. He loves lasagna, cats and used to dislike Mondays, making him most like Garfield.
Jason LaLone’s previous articles might be viewed at: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/Jason-LaLone.html