I've asked some of my elders if they have ever seen anything like this in their lifetime before now; each of them said no. I certainly haven't. At the time of this blog, in North Carolina, we are in a state of emergency and under a curfew except for grocery shopping or essential employees. It's something interesting to experience: toilet paper shortages, dry good limitations, being treated like you have the plague because you've coughed or sneezed (despite allergy season) in public. As with every occurrence in life, there is a lesson. Coronavirus has shut down educational institutions forcing learners to be homeschooled. I too have been schooled on a thing or two:

• Appreciate the little things

I've been on three mission trips; upon each return, I've appreciated "little" things like toilet paper, toilet seats, central heating and air, 4G technology, and being close to family. Our current state of events has taught me to appreciate even smaller things like the liberty to go and come as I'd like, the ability to work a solid 40 hours per week, and simply knowing the Prince of Peace.

• Time management is everything

I can admit that I haven't always maximized extra time that I'm allotted. That's just my fancy way of respectfully saying that I have procrastinated a time or two with producing art, or making overall progress. Time at home has caused me to realize that there are enough hours in the day and has led me to thank God that our nights and days are only 24 hours. Thankfully, I've pushed past procrastination to actually pen out some pieces with the time that I didn't always recognize at my fingertips. 

• My introversion has it's limits

Interestingly enough, I didn't know that I was an introvert until last year. I thought I was a nice, balanced hybrid of intro and extroversion. I was mistaken. I spend a great deal of time in my mind, in my own space and I'm usually quite content there. However, during the time of quarantine, I've had my moments! I've realized that human interaction is a necessity. Additionally, members of humanity need each other. Store clerks, public service providers, and other members of society have demonstrated how we depend on each other more than we think (e.g. nail salon employees and owners are missing their customers and we are missing them back!).

• Cooking at home isn't that bad

As a bonafide foodie, I tend to eat out quite a bit. It has its perks: one of my favorites is eating what I want, the way that I want it, without any clean up afterward. Because the restaurants have been mandated to close their dining options, limiting them to curbside assistance, carryout, or drive-thru, many people have resulted in grocery shopping and preparing meals at home. Not to mention the fear of contracting Coronavirus in public places or rumors of a full-bloom lockdown. I've been cooking because a part of my foodie experience was dining-in. I've learned new recipes and believe that I may have developed a new way to decompress. I have also saved a lot of money!

During some of the time spent in my mind, I've replayed scenes of zombie apocalypses. The bare shelves and minimal road travel look familiar. We are obviously nowhere near a zombie apocalypse. But we are definitely close to the Lord’s return. Some of the panic and pandemonium that I've seen has specifically turned my attention to the state of the world and their earnest need for a Savior. One who is on His way back. If people have become frightened by a virus or shortages; how will it be when there is no God to respond to their call? Specifically when I consider the inability to buy, sell, or trade without the mark of the beast. Another scene that comes to mind is hoarders and compounds locking down and pushing others away in fear of losing what they have or jeopardizing their personal safety. The irony! That's kinda what I was doing. In my compound of peace not allowing others near the peace or salvation that they need.  

The biggest homeschooled-lesson that I've learned is how my lack of courage and concern for mankind has led to complacency to share the love of God. The more inspirational lesson that I've learned is that it's not too late and I can use all the tools that I have to share Christ to a hurting world. We're in the year of our Lord and He is coming sooner than we know. 

When we know better, we do better. What have you learned?

Sincerely,

Marisha