There are so many thoughts I want to write from the past week. I want to write down what this experience was like so that I remember. Things changed more quickly than many of expected. However, it's hard to make time to sit down and write when we're all home all the time. (...and when I keep reading news updates instead of doing things I need to do.)
For now, I want to write something else that has been on my mind. This is going to be a challenging time for many people (both in the U.S. and abroad). Right now, it's hard to find many items at the store since people are trying to stock up all at once. Many people are not able to work right now because of closed businesses, lack of clients, or because of the need to care for kids at home. Others are way overworked right now, including people involved in grocery and food distribution, medical providers, etc. Some can't even leave the house to go to the grocery store because they're sick or because they're at a high risk of getting very sick.
How do we share the burden? How do we love one another well?
Here are some of my thoughts so far, but I'd love to hear yours as well.
If you're in a position where you're overworked right now, consider how you can decrease your stress levels and load and lighten someone else's financial burdens. Are there any tasks you can outsource to someone else right now who could use some extra income?
If you need work right now, consider looking for work in high demand areas. I think any service which offers delivery or pick-up of grocery or essential items is going to be in high demand for a while. If you don't have someone to watch your kids, could they ride with you in the car while you deliver groceries? (If any of you is sick, this is a bad idea. :\)
Are there any items that are hard to find in stores right now that you have extras of and could share with someone else? How do we go about creating a network of meeting each other's need and finding out what the needs are in our communities? Any ideas?
If you're home and healthy, could you watch someone else's kids in addition to your own for someone who needs to go to work? I know we want to minimize the number of people we're interacting with, but perhaps there are ways to help each other out while minimizing the impact. When you run to the store, can you pick up extra food for someone who is sick or high-risk? (I have relied heavily on Walmart grocery pick-up in the past, and I was planning to continue that, especially since we've had some kind of virus recently. However, they're booked solid, so I've had to go get groceries in person instead. I've already asked my husband to plan to take a little time off work this week so I can make a grocery run without the kids.)
How can we connect to older members of the community who may feel very isolated right now? Can kids who are stuck at home make cards for nursing home residents? (I'm not entirely sure of the implications of this, as far as bringing germs in. Perhaps mail is quarantined for a couple of days.) Can we provide computers or tablets for nursing homes so that residents can take turns having video chats with relatives and kids who are stuck at home? (I realize this would place an additional demand on nursing home workers, who are most likely already overworked, so this may not be doable, but I think it would be great.) Can we encourage nursing homes to open the windows and let some fresh air in, or is it possible for residents to get some outdoor time?
Can we reach out over the phone to pray for and encourage people who are very isolated right now?
Many of us will be saving money on gas right now, not driving to work or as many activities. We may also be saving money on activities or eating out. Can you support local restaurants by buying a gift card to use or give away later? Take-out is also still an option many places (though I know cooking at home is ideal to minimize spreading germs).
I love seeing schools and activities sharing information and videos online to help people stay connected and continue learning. What a great time to have internet! Do you know anyone who doesn't have internet access right now and/or who needs help paying the bills?
If you still have regular income, consider increasing your giving. Look for organizations who are still helping to meet immediate needs in your community and around the world. Food banks and blood banks are running low. Churches have had to close their doors, but they still need to pay their bills (and their staff). Does your church have ways to give online? Can you mail a check in?
Some missionaries (and others) are needing to return to the U.S. from overseas very last-minute and may need a place to stay for an initial 2-week quarantine, and perhaps beyond. Do you have an empty place available where they could stay?
Also, please remember that poorer areas of the world are likely to see a much greater impact from this virus. How can we pray for and support them?
What are YOUR needs? How can we network to help with whatever it is that you need right now? If you're running low on paper towels or Size 3 diapers or rice (and you live near me), let me know. I have some to spare! If you need toilet paper, I'll think and pray about that. That will require a greater act of faith right now, but I think I could spare a bit here and there. 😂😁
Lord, I pray for wisdom to know how to care for our own families, for our community, for the world, and for the most vulnerable around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"The second [greatest commandment] is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31 (NIV)
