It’s autumn. The leaves are falling. The nights are cooler and lockdown (if you live in New Zealand) is moving from level 4 down to level 3. Life is slowly getting back to how things were before.
I saw builders across the road building the houses that have been abandoned for the last 5 weeks. Children are slowly returning to school and fast food places are now open for drive thru.
Joining the spectacle
My sister and I decided to join the masses and buy some takeaways for dinner. The queues were long. It felt like half the town was at this one restaurant. Once I got home I excitedly devoured my dinner.
I had craved fast food during level 4 and had been waiting in anticipation to eat junk food again. Only to be disappointed. The burger wasn’t as good as I had remembered in my mind and it even made me feel bloated unlike the feeling of satisfaction after a home cooked meal.
It reminded me that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and sometimes just because I want something it doesn’t mean I “need” it.
Things I appreciate more since lock down
During this time I’ve learned to appreciate relationships a lot more. I also will appreciate being able to attend church a whole lot more once this is all over. We only appreciate freedom when it’s taken away, perhaps that is the lesson? One of those important relationships is my relationship with Christ.
Jesus never disappoints. He brings me peace. When people and things disappoint me, I know he will be there to comfort and offer wisdom. Such a strange reflection to have while eating a disappointing burger.
Moving forward with a Christ-like attitude
I am very proud of how as a country we have looked out for one another and worked together. The care I have seen is inspiring.
Sure there have been some not very nice people trying to take advantage of a bad situation, but overall we have had each other back. To me, this mirrors how I assume a community should operate. The love people have shown is very Christ- like.
I hope we can keep this going when life goes back to normal. I hope people still check on the elderly. I hope they still make sure their neighbours have enough food. I hope social services are still highly supported by both the government and the people. I hope we keep this aroha going and that it spreads around the world.
Chanell Diaz is a member of The Salvation Army in New Zealand. She and her husband Ronald both work as child care workers and Chanell is also a qualified Youth Worker through Praxis. Chanell has a heart for justice and enjoys creating art and writing in her spare time.
