Change of Focus
Just 3 months ago I wrote a story about how I was excited about what 2020 would bring. I had such a sense of expectancy that this year would bring great change . . . not just to my life, but to my family. And beyond.
I didn’t know what that change would be;
I just sensed that it would be big—and very good.
What we are experiencing at this moment is not at all what I would have imagined, and “good” is not how anyone in their right mind would describe it.
Clearly, we are in a historic time. Not only are we in a war against a raging virus (what some might call a modern-day plague), the timing of it is notable. This pandemic is coinciding with the celebration of Passover, when Jews and Christians commemorate a time when the Hebrew people, enslaved in Egypt, were instructed to paint blood on their doorposts and stay inside their homes, so the Angel of Death would “Pass Over”—sparing their lives and the lives of their families.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
That important chapter in history was written over 3000 years ago.
I can’t help but sense that another important chapter is being written right now.
I find it very interesting that this week, Jews in Israel—the descendants of those Hebrew slaves—are (for the first time since that original Passover) once again being commanded to stay inside their homes, to preserve their lives and the lives of their families. This year their Passover observances will be spent with only their immediate families.
Their focus will be up-close.
Like mine is right now.
In the story I wrote in January, I mentioned that my daughter said hearing the number, “2020” kept making her think of perfect vision. Maybe she was onto something. Maybe having our focus brought in close . . . thinking about the health and safety of our families, above all else, is what perfect vision really looks like.
All the things that normally take center stage in our thinking and striving and spending have shifted to the periphery. We’re not thinking about vacations, or sports, or nights out on the town, or new cars (although the car companies are REALLY trying!) . . . no, our focus is on family, which is a wonderful thing.
Maybe it will stick. I hope so. That would be a very valuable change.
So please — stay well, and take good care of those you love.
Have a blessed Passover and a very happy, hope-filled, Easter.
– Katie
Photo by Anna Pritchard via Unsplash
