2020 has seen some phenomenal changes to this world - because of the global pandemic that struck at the turn of the year. The term 'unprecedented' is clearly applicable. It has turned my life upside down - as it has done to literally everyone on this planet. Change was forced upon us. So much was stripped away from us. Many of us have lost loved ones to the virus. Our usual activities had to change. No church activities. No voluntary work. I've even got out of the habit of blogging (trying to pick this up now!)...
People Change.
The onset of the pandemic saw people revealing so much their true natures - greed, with the shops being emptied on essential supplies, as people stockpiled. And yet, kindness - with such love poured out to our essential workers. We learnt the importance of home. They say an Englishman's home is his castle - this became so very true to many of us as we learnt how to self-isolate; how to make better use of the personal space around us; how to master the computer and the internet so we could order on line, communicate with our loved ones using Messenger, using Zoom.
Places Change.
You took a quick look around the towns and cities and could see the changes - everything was different. Signs marked out social distancing; arrows indicated directions to follow; access ways were limited, to protect people. All but essential shops were shut. Shopping quickly became a dangerous activity, a scary one. It wasn't fun anymore. You had to do it - unless you had mastered the art of how to use home delivery - and to get one of those elusive delivery slots (people change!)... the shops are starting to open now, however it's still not the same. Still not 'fun'. And won't be for a while ...
Friends Change.
Many of our friends now have longer hair. Many have wider waistlines. However, the changes haven't just been physical. We've all changed inside, having learnt new skills, discovered new passions... all while we have been keeping safe at home. When we get to see our friends again, they will have changed quite a bit ...
Careers Change.
This pandemic has had a considerable effect on people's working lives. Personally, I've had to embrace the concept of remote work arrangements - working from home. Such a strange concept, one that needed a complete change in my working pattern. Still, I count myself fortunate - I kept on working, was never 'furloughed'. And there have been so many who are now without work, their jobs gone due to the virus. So sad.
Economies Change.
Sadly, this pandemic has effected everyone. It's going to adversely affect the world economy. How long will we be reeling from the effects of the virus? Many, many years.
However ... God Never Changes.
He's the same today as yesterday. He doesn't change. His offer of love and salvation to us all is still the same.
We can't worship physically together, however we can still worship.
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