That’s how COVID-19 feels to me – like a thief in the night.

It crept up so suddenly, with no warning and seemed to have stolen our freedom.  And without any permission, it took over our thought life, it took over our routines and left us thinking about little else but itself.  We are consumed with the thoughts of the impact, the damage, not just to us, its to our neighbours down the street as well.  And not just to them, the damage is on the other side of town and our neighbouring country and to our friends across the globe.

The damage is leaving a big impact

And while the damage of this thief is still happening, I’ve been reflecting on the impact:

1. It is stealing from us in the travel and tourism industry

We’ve been hit hard – and that’s an understatement. Many, many airlines have cut their schedules by over 70% as countries have restricted access. 

Employment at risk

Air transport accounts for 65.5 million jobs globally zooming in to just 10 of the countries affected by COVID-19, between 15 and 23% jobs of air transport staff are at risk of unemployment.

Airlines who have largely operated on very thin margins are now at an all-time low.  Many have sent home thousands of their staff.

To the report

2. Working from home has new meaning

I am not allowed to go into our office to work.

Yet I am so aware that there are some who have to stay home with unpaid leave.  And others were already at home looking for a job even before COVID-19.

I am praying for them.  That they would not lose heart and that they would be sustained through this time.

I have a loving home environment with a husband who comes to check if I’m okay while I’m working, who makes sure I’m drinking enough water and who showers me with love in so many ways. 

I am aware that families are forced to be together at home and where it’s very different from this. I am praying for them. That they see each other in a fresh way, and see the gift that they are to each other.

3. It showed up something in my heart – my wake up call

I found myself deeply disappointed that doctors have taken a long time to find a vaccine for this coronavirus. Somehow, it seems that the ‘google-it’, smart-everything, easy-access-to-information mode of life, seeped into my belief that ‘finding a vaccine’ shouldn’t take the doctors too long. 

This was a wake-up call to keep checking where I am casting my faith. And then I remembered the words “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety, neither will it deliver because of its great strength.” Psalms 33.  I went to check exactly what the entire passage said and it was so encouraging. Here’s an extract:

No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a vain / false hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,
To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.

Psalms 33: 16 – 22 New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

4. So then where will I cast my anchor?

This is a turbulent time. I wonder sometimes – what are people anchoring on?  Is it hope that things will be better soon? Is it relationships and family? Is it hope that their jobs will be okay?

Personally, I am anchoring on Jesus who has proven Himself as my navigator and pilot. 

He is how I got where I am today. 

I’m not sure where this will end. I know it will and it will be okay. In fact, my faith tells me that after we are battered and bruised a bit, we will be better because of new opportunities, new relationships and fresh faith in God. 

My faith also tells me that COVID-19 will not be the last time we are shaken up, so I’d better be really anchored, to be able to withstand the next thing.

We will go through the clouds to the other side, with God’s help. I SitAWhile and ponder these things.

And what about you, where is your anchor?