Can you believe according to the World Health Organization, that we have been in a global pandemic since March 11, 2020? I can’t believe that I have been on a 100% telework status since March 16, 2020. What is even more unfathomable is that we have not been to the physical church building for worship, nor have we been shopping, going to brunch, going to cultural events, experiencing leisure travel, or dinner parties in numbers of that prior to the pandemic.
Yet, as we approached and experienced the Thanksgiving holiday, we were advised that if we gathered for Thanksgiving dinner, we could be preparing for funerals by Christmas. This year has been emotionally draining and at times has caused us to be less than polite to one another. Nevertheless, I am reminded of II Peter 1:3, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. This scripture coupled with those examples found in Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law can help us to build a solid foundation for being kind to one another. These scriptures admonish us that we should let virtue (showing high moral standards) and specifically, those examples found in the fruit of spirit, serve as a guiding light for each of us to live by daily. We should allow virtue to be our guide with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. Because of the stress of managing multiple changes in our lives simultaneously, it is imperative that we gently remind ourselves of the fruit of spirit.
Thanksgiving 2020 was very different for all of us because of the pandemic. My family was scheduled to have our 20th Anniversary Family Reunion, and we were planning to do it big, but instead it was a small crowd with individual families having dinner at home. We all came together for a planning meeting and game night which was so much fun! We played the following games virtually: Would You Rather and Black Card Revolt. We had family members representing a total of six states on the screen. What a blessing!
Now, we all have to Re-Imagine so much about our lives, but we must seek God for His direction. The experts say we are dealing with pandemic fatigue. However, we must practice the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We must also be kind to one another, practice patience, and remember that being virtuous is of the upmost importance.
"He who sows virtue reaps glory."
LEONARDO DA VINCI, Thoughts on Art and Life
Dr. ReShone
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