Lessons from Lockdown

When my wife and I sat down in front of the television to watch the Prime Minister’s address to the nation back in March, we expected to hear of some restrictions that would be necessary to make sure that everybody could stay healthy and that we could ‘beat’ this Virus. What we didn’t expect was that the few weeks would turn into months, and still, nearly nine months later, find us living a very different life.

So what have we learned during this lockdown? Apart from the nation learning to bake banana bread, and how to correctly spell the word ‘furlough’, there seem to be many lessons taken from lockdown.

Community

I am delighted by the real sense of community that seems to be renewing. Here in St Mellons, we’ve seen the launch of the Mutual Aid Fund, a partnership with a number of local organisations, that has seen small grants given to those most in need. Whilst this has benefitted from money from a Charitable Trust at the start, the ethos behind the Mutual Aid Fund is that local people can contribute to help those in their community who are vulnerable.

Family

One thing I personally reflect on from lockdown is to revisit all those times when my wife was on maternity leave and I may have thought to myself ‘well, it’s just a long holiday isn’t it?’. To my wife, I say ‘I’m Sorry’. Having to spend most of my time whilst I was furloughed looking after my children wasn’t exactly a chore, it was not a walk in the park. Well, even the walks in the park were not a walk in the park…

But it’s been a fantastic time to spend time with my family in a way I never have before, and likely will not have again. I have had the chance to know my children better, and for them to know me better and, hopefully, have fun together.

We have also used it as an opportunity to get to know our Church family in new and different ways. For instance, we have followed this national craze for online Zoom quizzes, and have say down most Thursday evenings for the last six months in front of Facetime and YouTube and took part in a Virtual Pub Quiz with friends from Church. Whilst we were friends before, we know each other much better and deepened our relationship. I am pleased I have had the opportunity to learn what it means to be a Church Family once more.

Exploration

Time has also allowed me the gift of exploration, and reminded me never to lose my curiousity! Physically, there’s so much to explore on our doorstep, and walking the paths of St Mellons allowed me to learn more about my community and see it face to face. From finding the swan’s nest, to new playgrounds, there’s been lots to discover.

I have also learned to explore more about myself. We have heard how much of a toll this pandemic is having on people’s mental health, and there have been times when this has impacted me first hand.

During Church Services, I am normally found behind the Keyboard as part of our Music Group. Whilst there’s the possibility of the keyboard making an appearance, the idea that we may enjoy collective singing in worship seems a long way away. I have had to explore other ways of expressing and indulging in my faith.

This has meant a deeper exploration of prayer, both in my personal life and corporately. Also greater reflection on scripture, which has many words of comfort during these challenging times. It has also given me the opportunity to develop other ministries, such as this website and the livestreaming of services we’ve been doing since we’ve been allowed back in our buildings.

Keep on Learning

Whilst lockdown life doesn’t seem to be leaving us for some time, I hope that once we return to something more approaching normality, that I will still continue to learn the lessons from lockdown, but also keep on learning. I pray that the new normal doesn’t have to become ‘normal’ and that I grasp the opportunities to learn, love, and grow at every opportunity.