We are imperfect and our friends and those we love also have imperfections. When we have to stay at home and live with imperfect people day in and day out, does it become a challenge? Of course it does!

These circumstances, however, provide us with the opportunity to love each other even more deeply than ever before. We now have the time to set the cell phones aside and talk face to face. What a gift this time is to catch up with our spouse, children, parents and perhaps grand parents.

What is each family member feeling right now? What is their level of anxiety about the unknown future ahead of us all? If you are an adult, it’s the time for your leadership.

Take this time to know and love each family member more deeply!

If not today, when?

“Whatever you do for the least of your brothers and sisters, you do unto me!” (Jesus)

Yes, it’s time to think of those who have no savings and no income. Put yourself in their place. It’s not as simple as telling them to go out and get a job. That is not a viable path right now and possibly not for the next couple of months.

They still have to eat!

Do you know of just one person who is in this situation? Perhaps, it was a waiter or waitress at your favorite restaurant or a cleaning lady who worked in your home.

Contact that person you know and offer a helping hand. The time has arrived to come to the rescue of those who cannot rescue themselves.

Surely, you can do something!

If not today, when?

 

 

“Patience is a key element of success!” (Bill Gates, Microsoft Founder)

If you’ve been a little short on patience in the past, this is an excellent moment to do something about it. Many millions of our fellow citizens are very stressed out about the present status of their lives.

Each of us must practice self control so that we can set an example for others. This applies most importantly to the behavior we should show to loved ones. Your teenagers, in particular, have always wanted to be independent of parental authority. Now, however, their world has been turned upside down and they are looking to you for leadership.

Our governor is thinking of extending the self isolation program for another 70 days. So, the need for patience will become more necessary as the weeks and months go by!

If not today, when?

 

Everyday, we hear of fellow citizens putting themselves in harms way for the well being of all of us. Of course, health care workers and first responders are the most obvious.

How about all those long haul truck drivers who leave their families for weeks at a time to provide us with food, medicines and other things we need? All night workers in grocery stores are replenishing the shelves so the stores can reopen each morning.

The meat packers, poultry farms and bakeries are staffed with people working in close proximity to each other. Yet, without their everyday courage to produce and deliver the food on our tables, what would we do?

A definition: A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities.

Be sure to thank your heroes!

If not today, when?

There was a saying that I heard years ago. “We’re a drop of intellect in a sea of emotion!” Is that true about you?

Do you allow your feelings to control your actions and decisions? I think we all do that from time-to-time, but the present chaotic state of our world demands more thought  than emotion.

Because we really don’t know what our society will look like when this virus is behind us, we must think about possible scenarios. As we consider each scenario, we must also decide on our fall back plan if this or that should occur.

If you are presently laid off from your job, as an example, you must think about other potential job opportunities should your current employer become unable to bring you back on the payroll.

Think outside the box!

If not today, when?

Haven’t you noticed? All kinds of our fellow citizens are stepping up to help complete strangers.

Love is in the air!

..and i mean real love that is not self centered, but focused on someone else’s need.

People, who live around hospitals, are breaking into applause at shift time when doctors, nurses and other medical personnel come out of the hospital on their way home. People are bringing freshly cooked meals to the hospitals for staff members.

Mortgage companies are allowing postponement on monthly payments. Mayors are not allowing any water shut offs to homes unable to pay the water bill. New York City landlords are promising no evictions during this period.

I’m sure you know of many more examples of our society coming together.

Is there something you can do to provide more glue?

If not today, when?

 

As wonderful as family members can be, this idea of staying at home all day, every day is a big test for all. How are you doing? Remember, the last people who should have to deal with your frustrations are loved ones.

I’m certainly no expert, but here are some ideas:

1. Eat, rest and take regularly prescribed medications.

2. Avoid alcohol or substance use.

3. Weather permitting, go outside. The birds are chirping!

4. Take inventory of emergency supplies

5. Keep informed of any new developments

6. Call or Facetime distant family or friends

7. Read or write

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this “Shelter in Place” mandate provides you with extended time at home that could become a unique opportunity. How can you and family members in the house use this time productively?

Also, be kind!

If not today, when?

 

About 10 days ago, one of our sons had an idea that might help with the medical equipment shortage being faced by our hospitals. He works for a Michigan based roofing company. One of the roofing materials called a PVC roofing membrane could be made into protective gowns and masks for doctors and nurses.

He took the idea to the president of his company.

Today, he is delivering the first gowns and masks to Beaumont which is a large hospital serving the Greater Detroit area. He is also getting pleas from other hospitals as far away as California.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

America is the incredible cradle of democracy that it is today because of the ingenuity of its citizens. Who do you know or what do you know that can help save the lives of your neighbors?

If not today, when?

Yes, you are now confronted with the greatest threat to your life and the lives of those you hold most dear. When this virus is conquered, you will be much better equipped emotionally and psychologically to handle the remaining challenges of your life.

That’s the way it works. Each time you have to face some difficult situation, you  fortify yourself by remembering the past difficulties that you overcame. Each dilemma of your life prepares you for the next one.

Our daughter-in-law had cancer and decided on using a holistic remedy rather than chemo. It was a very courageous thing for her to do. Her decision proved to be the right one. After overcoming a life or death experience, there’s nothing that will stand in her way.

You will emerge from all this chaos stronger than ever!

If not today, when?

Fear of the Covid 19 pandemic is understandable and is the source of stress for all of us.  Worry, however, is not the healthy answer to our present situation.

The only proper response is faith in God!

If you have never been a believer, this is a perfect time to begin. This threat is of such a magnitude that we must turn it over to God. If you don’t, your physical, emotional and psychological health will be weakened even if you never fall victim to the virus.

Worry and stress are harmful and don’t create the peace that comes from prayer and faith in God! This virus will be conquered as pandemics have been in the past.

The next existential threat is climate change. So, a life of prayer and faith is the best response I have found.

If not today, when?