Every circumstance presents a downside and an upside. And every individual has a choice, often – a tendency, to focus on one or the other in the midst of uncertainty. I believe this tendency goes beyond simply labeling folks an optimist or a pessimist. Mankind and life are both complex, and no two sets of circumstances are ever exactly the same. Labeling is faulty at best.

For the most part, I see myself as a realist, which some might say is a veiled admission of pessimism. But I want information in order to make as measured a response to a situation as possible. Just give me the facts! Let me weigh and ponder and then draw my conclusion.  We all have different methods of operation when navigating uncertainty.

We are inundated with talk of economic destruction, educational lag, closed businesses, unemployment claims, and, last but not least, avoidance of a potentially deadly virus. These are serious considerations with a potentially serious impact on our way of life.

However!  Even in this uncertain circumstance, there is a glorious upside, a focus on which will benefit all. 

Let’s look at prayer. I have learned that I should never confuse His silence with His absence. My Lord also revealed a priceless truth to my heart. That waiting, hoping, loss – what sometimes appears to us to be heartbreaking, unanswered prayer – is often meant to bring us greater blessing. Loss leading to blessing? Yes. Let me explain.

I lived in Arizona for 13 years. Arizona is lovely and full of opportunity. But I found myself longing for changing seasons. The sunshine that I sought and initially cherished became predictable and boring. I found myself longing for a rainy day so I could break out the cookie sheets, snuggle up with a blanket, and watch a good movie. But then I moved to Connecticut, and I soon found myself drowning in gloom because of the drippy, cold, gray skies. Where is that sun? This experience taught me so much about perspective and my own tendency to slip into an attitude of dissatisfaction.

We tend to long for that which is denied. Anything that comes to us easily does not bear the same weight of appreciation as those things for which we had longed. Through loss and longing, we are eventually blessed. Of course, this does not apply to all circumstances. But it does apply to many. Those who have endured years of infertility are over-the-moon thrilled by the birth of a child (seen as a burden by some). Those who suffer with chronic pain or illness can likely be found singing and dancing when gifted a pain-free day (something others take for granted). For those living through months of unemployment, the opportunity to go to work elicits great rejoicing (while others complain about their jobs). We tend to take for granted everyday blessings. What is denied tends to become our heart’s desire.

How does this apply to our current circumstance? When COVID-19 moves from the present to an event in the history books, we will be overcome with joy that we can again do those things that we had once considered mundane. We will have a new appreciation for what was lost, the everyday blessings in life. We will dance in our freedom to leave our dwellings. We will congregate with renewed appreciation for school, church, employment – life. Our time of struggle will change our perspective, causing us to be far more aware of those blessings that weren’t even on our thankfulness radar prior to the loss. We will be changed for the better. There’s the upside.

There are other upside points. Let’s not miss them!

Rifts tend to heal. When differing factions suddenly face a new, shared enemy, there is a joining of forces to combat that enemy. Walls come down. This can have a tremendously positive racial, political, religious, worldwide, etc., impact. This can eventually be a God-ordained blessing.

Families are hunkering down and spending time together! This is wonderful! Let’s pray that relationships are deepened so this time of trial leads to lasting change in homes. Stronger families mean a stronger culture.

The best comes out in people! Many of you have decided to turn off the news because hearing about COVID-19 is discouraging. I get that. But you are missing a blessing at the same time. There is a miraculous movement of benevolence happening. Individuals, companies, governments are sacrificially stepping up to meet needs. Factories are retrofitting their facilities to manufacturer medical equipment. This is a heartwarming display of humanity at its best. 

To be sure, our nation will cease to be dependent on rogue nations for, well, anything. Hopefully we have learned a lesson. Hopefully, the next pandemic will be immediately met with improved weapons for battle. Every situation is a chance to learn and grow.

Last, but certainly not least, hopefully individuals are pondering life and their own mortality. Hopefully, individuals will look beyond self, and, in doing so, they will find the Savior. This is my prayer.

That, my friends, is the upside. Let’s focus on what good can come. Let’s be hopeful, helpful, and humble.

Joy in Jesus,

Jacquee

Note: To any who have lost a loved one to this virus, I pray you do not see this article as a minimalization of your pain. That is certainly not my intent. My desire is to positively impact the perspective of many who may be fearful or discouraged.