Cup of Inspiration

Today, March 11, 2024, marks the fourth anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring Covid-19 as a global pandemic. In a noticeably brief period of time, life changed for people worldwide.

As the world seems to get crazier each year, most events have impacts that only reach particular regions. Wars, elections, even epidemics will initially impact just the people of a particular country or region, while the ripple effects may very well spread out past those boundaries. Covid-19, however, quickly moved around the world. No one was spared by its effects. Suddenly shops were closed, schools shut down, and a simple trip to a loved one’s home became complicated if not impossible.

The disease robbed people of not only their time, freedom, jobs, and health. People lost loved ones. Plans for anniversaries were cancelled either because travel was limited, or the very people to be celebrated had been lost. Peace was also lost as protests were seen around the world. Different viewpoints of how to deal with the pandemic led to clashes instead of discussion. Families and friends were not just divided by a virus, but opinions about masking, treatments, and vaccines caused further division.

If you looked hard enough, though, you could find the stories showing it didn’t have to be this way. Neighbors found ways to entertain themselves while still holding safe distances. Businesses found ways to adapt to keep their employees onboard while providing supplies to health care workers. People learned how to use the Internet to reach out to others to spread hope to loved ones. It wasn’t ideal to use Zoom to gather for a holiday meal, but families learned how to make it work to keep that connection.

For some, they used the lessons learned to change their way of working permanently. I remember hearing of some churches that initially turned to online teachings for their vulnerable members so they wouldn’t miss out. As a result, they learned this was a great tool to broaden their reach to hurting people. People learned how they could reach out to people in pain needing a message of hope even when they lived miles away.

Of course, we also know many people learned how they could do other things remotely. Office workers moved their work to their homes and found out the hard way if a remote work environment was for them. Even for those workers who could not work remotely in their primary job, there were some who found ways of making money another way from their home, creating their own businesses. Some people learned they craved to collaborate with their coworkers in the office and appreciated the environment more when they returned. Whether or not workers were allowed to work remotely, people got the chance to take another look at the typical work week and decide if they wanted a change. It was no longer business as usual.

Four years ago, the world experienced a tremendous change. It will not be the last time such a dramatic event takes place. Sadly, we have seen a lot of heartache, pain, distrust, and loss as a result. Despite this, there were slivers of bright spots that brought people together, reminding people that we shouldn’t take tomorrow for granted. People saw that no amount of money can stop a virus from ripping you away from your family. No fancy job title will prevent you from losing those you love. Material possessions bring instant gratification that will not last.

Today, reach out to loved ones and tell them how you feel. Make plans with that friend to catch up. Apply for that job you have been thinking about. Take that first step to turn that business idea into reality. Don’t worry so much about what people say about you today. What will they say about you after you are gone? Today is the day to remember what is truly important in life.