We are making history, are we making it count?

When we ushered in 2020 little did we know that it would be the year that will be mentioned, researched and read about for years to come. It has reserved its place in history books, medical journals, economic and statistical annals of the future. 

It has altered the fabric of society while adjusting to a 'new normal'. Terminology like BC and AC --- Before Covid and After Covid, lockdown, quarantine, isolation, social-distancing, frontline warriors, work from home, online class and so many more - have found their way into our repertoire of words and have taken a whole new meaning. 'Be positive'  will never be used as a phrase of encouragement without it's obvious negative connotation. 

We are all living this part at present. We have no choice. The question is how are we living? Some are facing the situation head on. Some are struggling. Some are battling for life. Some have won the battle. Some have lost a loved one.  Some have lost jobs. Some have lost peace of mind.

Others have picked up a hobby like gardening, baking or music. A chosen few have picked up a cause. These have risen to the occasion. They have helped others in need. They have nursed the sick, fed the hungry, walked with the migrants and opened their hearts and homes to the forsaken. Hats off to them!

Internet consumption has increased.Dependency on a good WiFi connection has become crucial. Students have learned to study online and teachers have learned to teach online. Our homes have become our work places as well as our places of worship. We have learned how important our family is. We have learned that we need very little to survive and 'minimalism' that had become a fad over the last couple of years as a lifestyle choice, suddenly when thrust upon us made us realise there's nothing fancy about it, but rather, that's the way our grandparents lived. We have begun to value life, we realised that we are not in control. We have realised we need faith. We realised that this pandemic has been an equaliser, it does not discriminate. These are now people we know, not just a statistic. It scares, it hurts. 

So, what will happen now? Will we remain the same? Are we focussing just on building up our immunity or are we growing stronger in faith? Will we cherish our freedom or misuse our rights? Have we learned to treasure our relationships? Have we been grateful for the abundance we have? Have we made an effort to brighten someone's day? Have we tried to lighten someone's burden? Are we appreciative of our family, friends and work? Do we give thanks to God for our food, clothing and shelter? Can we go back to the way we were? 

The answer to these questions and many more like these will set us on a quest to become better versions of ourselves, the one's we were meant by God to be. I am striving towards it every moment. I know I am making history. I want to make it count.  Do you?