Simplicity of Life
There has been a return to the simplicity of life during the pandemic. During this pandemic, many people are discovering that they really can do without a lot of things. They are discovering and finding contentment in the simple life, and simplicity of life. As nearly all nightlife and entertainment venues have been closed, and department store shopping extremely curtailed, people are getting back to the basics and acquiring a greater appreciation for the people and things that are the most meaningful and important to them. And that’s a good thing.
I am grateful to God for what I have, and I’m blessed to be content with the relatively simple life I have almost always led. Growing up in poverty most likely has something to do with that. But I was never covetous or envious of what others had. Throughout my life, I have learned how to live in plenty and in want; not in greed, jealousy or covetousness, but in simplicity, gratitude and contentment for what I have.
The simple life isn’t so bad. It’s the attitude that one has about it. And while I do miss having brunch with friends and seeing a movie together, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much else.
Time-Out
Simplicity of life during the pandemic excludes many things. Everyone is on a sort of “time-out” from various pleasures and entertainments. Most of us, even if still employed, are on a time-out from driving to and from the office or school because we’re working from home. I gain an additional 2-1/2 to 3 hours each day just because of that. But it was vanishing until I realized it and made a purposeful decision to return to simple things that had slipped away in my pre-pandemic “normal” life. I’m returning to morning devotionals and scripture reading; rediscovering and listening to some television ministry broadcasts; and am praying more. A lot more. Praying for those in government, ministry, neighbors and the businesses and homeless people in my neighborhood.
Many people are anxious about what is happening or what might happen. They are duly concerned and troubled about much including their jobs and the toll this disease is taking indirectly or directly on themselves or their loved ones. But it is harmful to continually listen to, meditate and dwell on negative things. We should all take a time-out from that and reframe our thoughts and thinking to something better and more positive. That’s why I’m calling a “time-out” on death. Yes, death! And choosing life.
Choosing Life
Since the start of this pandemic, the media continues to serve up multiple daily meals of the death count, case count and hospitalizations. But we must be mindful of what we hear and think. God’s word tells us to think and meditate on the things that are true, lovely, pure, excellent and of good report (Phil. 4:8). A good report is not what you’re going to get from the media. I have yet to hear a good report on how many people are out of quarantine; how many patients recovered or left the hospital well. And I won’t hold my breath waiting for it.
Rather than give in to the constant fearmongering of the media, political agencies and politicians, I choose to focus on the Living One who holds the keys of death and has the power of healing in His wings (Rev. 1:18; Mal. 2:17-4:6). How many times has God said to His people, “Fear not!” and “Take Courage!” I am choosing to cast on the Lord, my cares, and anxiety about this pandemic and the widespread and multi-front havoc it has wreaked. Without a doubt and by experience, I know that God cares for and about me (1 Peter 5:7) as well as those whom I care most about.
Part of my simplicity of life during the pandemic is choosing to look up and submit to God, reaching for that which is life-giving and affirming, and to resist the devil by not trafficking in negativity, darkness and death.
At the start of this pandemic, my eyes were on God https://thekingdomquill.com/my-eyes-are-watching-god-holy-week-2020/. Nearly a year into this, they still are.