Around the world, all eyes are on the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. The pandemic is challenging families, communities, health care systems, and governments. There is no doubting the severity of the public health crisis we are facing. One of my colleagues sent me the following, which made me realize all the things I took for granted and now yearn for each day. I hope that once things get back to normal, we start appreciating all the beautiful things in life that we once took for granted.

~Debbie Farrell for the Deacons

When this is over, may we never again take for granted:

A Handshake With A Stranger
Full Shelves At The Store
Conversations With Neighbors
A Crowded Theatre
Friday Night Out
The Taste Of Communion
A Routine Checkup
The School Rush Each Morning
Coffee With A Friend
The Stadium Roaring
Each Deep Breath
A Boring Tuesday
Life Itself

When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be, and may we stay that way — better for each other because of that worst.