Finding Perspective In These Difficult Times

The Corona Virus has brought the world to a virtual standstill. The things that people once enjoyed doing and the places they loved to travel has all come to an abrupt halt. The virus has affected the lifestyle of every individual and family. It’s a mess out there now. It can sometimes be hard to discern between what’s a real threat and what is just simple panic and hysteria.

Consider this; did any of us think, just a few short months ago, that we would all be required to wear masks, keep a six-foot distance between each other, be told not to touch, shake hands, or even hug each other for fear of spreading this dastardly virus? Did you ever fathom the thought that businesses, gyms, theaters, salons, eateries, and other establishments would be closed and millions upon millions would be out of work? And who ever heard of the term, “social distancing?”

The current environment has also affected people psychologically in various ways Some people have used the time of quarantine in positive ways: spending more quality with their families, spending more time in prayer and Scripture reading, enjoying the quietness of life. Unfortunately, this time has had the opposite effect on individuals: rise in depression, abuse and other negative effects. A current study showed that nearly half (45%) of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.

Let’s put this whole period of time into perspective. So far, this pandemic has only been with us for about three months and, for some people, it seems like a lifetime. But let’s take a moment and put this into perspective.

Imagine for a moment, that you were born in the year 1900. (right around the time period that your grand, great-grand parents were born).

On your 14th birthday, World War I begins, then ends on your 18^th birthday four years later. 22 million people perish in that war.

Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it during those two years with 500 million people infected.

Yes, 50 million perished!

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33.

The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.

When you turn 39, World War II starts, and you aren’t even over the hill yet!

On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII.

Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war.

At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict.

On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, should have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening.

When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How did they survive all of that?

Think about all of those things that you would have experienced in your lifetime. When your grandparents speak about, “when times were hard,” now you have an idea what life was like from their perspective!

Yet they survived through everything listed above.

What we are experiencing right now has been for a FEW MONTHS.

Perspective is an amazing art. We become refined, wiser, and more enlightened as time marches on. Let’s try and keep things in perspective and remember, the God, the maker of the heavens and the earth knows exactly what is going on in the world around us. We don’t need to fear the unknown for He will take care of us. He will keep us safe, free from harm, and watch over us every day!

“The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” ~ Psalm 212:7-8