It may not seem that way, but the virus has given you much more free  time than you have ever had!

What will you do with it?

Here are some things you could be doing:

EXERCISE-The medical professionals tell us we need to exercise in order for our bodies to be as healthy as possible to ward off the virus. Perhaps you’ve not had a regular routine. Now, you’ve got the time and good weather.

RELATIONSHIPS-Because you and your immediate family are spending more time together, you should be growing closer, not further apart. Even distant family members are available with Facetime or Zoom.

JOBS-Will you be able to return to the job from whence you came or should you be exploring alternatives? There will be fewer jobs because many companies won’t have the funding they need.

If not today, when?

Because millions of our fellow citizens are unemployed, those who lived from paycheck to paycheck are falling or have fallen into the newly poor. Many of these are people you know. They were employed by various businesses that served your needs. They live near you and may belong to the same church.

There are also owners of small, once  thriving businesses who cannot continue due to a lack of cash flow to sustain their company’s ongoing financial expenses. When they get the green light to reopen, they may not be able to purchase necessary inventory.

So, as the old saying goes, “It takes a village.” It referred to everyone has an impact on raising a child. Likewise, it will take all of us to help those small business owners and their employees to recover!

If not today, when?

These are the days that test us all. Will you make the necessary adjustments to the constantly changing circumstances you are facing?

If you have always been a rather rigid person who takes solace in a predictable daily routine, you are going to have to loosen up and become more flexible. It seems that uncertainty will become our new way of life.

If you’ve never done it before, it’s time you allowed yourself to think “outside the box!” New circumstances will require new solutions to new realities.

I also believe, if you haven’t until now, you should consider turning to God in these times. This pandemic, coupled with the coming threat of climate change, is too big for us to solve all on our own.

You’re not alone. We are in this together. Have faith!

If not today, when?

Do you keep your perspective in times of stress?

We’re hearing more stories of the abuse of family members during these “shelter in place days.” Why do we hurt the ones we love when the current situation calls for an abundance of love?

Did you know that a recent study says that there is an EPIDEMIC OF LONELINESS in America? Yes, 47% of our fellow citizens are lonely. For those of us fortunate enough to live with family members, we should get down on our knees and thank God for every one of them.

Do we all have flaws and do we sometimes annoy one another particularly during stressful times? Of course we do.

The biggest sin we’ll ever commit, however, is the sin of ungratefulness! Millions are homeless and don’t have enough to eat.

Get a grip!

If not today, when?

Don’t let a day go by without telling someone that you love them!

One of the biggest irreversible regrets in life comes when a loved one passes away and you are left with that painful question, “Did he/she know I loved him/her?”

It is essential that you spread love around during these days when the threat of death is just around the corner for each of us.

I’ve always believed that your day to day happiness is dependent upon whether or not you like yourself. Are you proud of, or ashamed of what and who you are? If you need to become a more loving person than you have been, begin now!

You might say that they know I love them so I don’t need to tell them.

You can never say, “I love you” too often!

If not today, when?

Do you add to or subtract from the happiness of others?

In these traumatic times with an uncertain future, this question is very important. People are usually a plus or a minus. Will you step up, forget your own anxieties and make someone else’s life a little better today?

This is a moment in your life in which you discover who and what you are. Are you compassionate with the people around you who are afraid? Do you practice patience with those who annoy you? Do you forgive the flaws of loved ones and friends?

This is a time for healing. Are you a healer?

You are either the problem or the solution. You will make today better or worse by your actions or inactions.

We need the best of you today!

If not today, when?

He (Standing on the right) was a graduate of The naval Academy. He became a navy pilot flying bombing runs over North Vietnam originating from an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin.

He was shot down by antiaircraft fire on one of his bombing runs. He was severely injured in his crash and captured by North Vietnamese infantrymen shortly thereafter. He spent many years in a military prison along with other pilots.

The North Vietnamese knew his father was an admiral in the American Navy. As a public relations gesture, he was offered release because of his father’s rank. He refused the offer until all the other American prisoners were also released.

His loyalty to his fellow prisoners stands as a tribute to his character and sense of patriotism.

What values do you live by?

If not today, when?

As we were returning home this afternoon, we passed a young family out for a walk on a sunny April day. The parents seemed to be in their late 30’s or early 40’s. They had two children on mini bikes and a baby in a stroller plus a dog.

We were that family once.

We slowed our can down as we passed them and my wife leaned out the window and told them, “I would love to do it all over again!”

In the course of our 56 year marriage, we had four sons born to us, three adopted daughters, many grand children and many foster children. Of course, we faced our challenges together and experienced much joy and some sorrow.

When we were a young couple, we believed everything was possible. It still is.

Life goes on!

If not today, when?

 

Those were my dad’s last words.

The doctor called our family into another room and told us that dad would most likely pass away in the next 24 hours. As the oldest of six children, it was my responsibility to tell dad.

We went back into his room and I explained that he had double pneumonia and his kidneys had failed. He took our hands and said, “What can I say?” We instantly responded as if with one voice, “You said it with your life!” Indeed , it was an exemplary life for all of us to follow.

What does your life say about you?

Remember, it’s never too late to correct some of the past mistakes and create a better future. Your life will be determined by the decisions you make.

What will your life say about you?

If not today, when?

I’ll bet you have made some spur-of-the-moment decisions to buy books at Costco while you stroll the aisles. I certainly have purchased a few with good intentions to read them one day. Well that day has come!

How about you? Have you also fallen to the same temptation? Whether or not you have unread books from Costco, I’ll bet you have some unread dandies.

In these times of stress and uncertainty, curling up with a good book is one of the best coping mechanisms I could recommend. I’m currently rereading the 819 page book, “The German Army.” It is an amazing narrative of 2.5 million German soldiers killed and 5 million  wounded.

Perhaps you would rather read a lighter fare. My wife just suggested that I read a book on philosophy. Evidently, she thinks I could use some help.

If not today, when?