In the past couple months, many of us have thought about what strange and unprecedented times we are living in. Day after day in the headlines, we read increasing numbers of those who were sick and dying. Schools and businesses were shut down. One by one, countries shut borders and states issued “stay at home” orders. And for the first time, we saw grocery store shelves in short supply and emptied of necessary supplies.

During this time, I have heard complaints about the inconveniences and sometimes joined in. However upon reflection, I am reminded of just how blessed I am.

People waiting in line at a food bank in Springfield, Ohio

Consider some things I have heard (and said):

• “The grocery store is out of my favorite brand of (fill in the blank).” Yet I have seen news stories of people in our own country standing and waiting in extraordinarily long lines at the local food banks, wanting something to feed their hungry children.
• “I’m so tired of being at home (3-4 bedroom house with a yard).” Yet people are living in 50 square foot “coffin” apartments in Hong Kong with no windows and no outdoor space.
• “I can’t believe all the stores are out of toilet paper.” Yet the CDC estimates that 2.5 billion people (35% of the world) are lacking adequate sanitation. (cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html)
• “I wish stores would open so I can shop for new spring/summer clothes.” However, an estimated 300 million people in the world cannot afford a single pair of shoes. (https://borgenproject.org/three-organizations-that-help-people-without-shoes/)
• “I really need a break from these kids!” Yet many senior adults are desperately lonely because they have been isolated from any visits from family members.
• “My kids need to get back to school. I never wanted to homeschool my children.” Yet an estimated 70 million children in the world have no educational opportunities. (theguardian.com/education/2010/sep/20/70m-get-no-education)
• “I miss being able to worship in person with my church family.” Yet one in nine adherents to Christianity live in an area or culture in the world where Christianity is “illegal, forbidden, and punished.” (www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-countries-where-its-most-dangerous-to-be-a-christian-in-2019)

These are unprecedented times, but I am reminded of Psalm 13:6, “I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”