What Will You Change Due to COVID-19?

Joshua Hanson

I haven’t thought about playing guitar since … well, probably since the day I set down my white electric Ibanez twenty-five years ago. 

But during this COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been thinking about buying another guitar. I even started writing a new song yesterday. 

Even though a couple of people have suggested that I return to my 1980s quasi-mullet (I’ll never concede that it was a full mullet!) since stylists aren’t open right now, I think I’ll keep my buzz cut. But I’ve still got the music in me. And that surprised me.

When we finally begin to emerge from our homes in the coming months, I have a feeling that the world won’t resemble what we remember. Everyone will be adapting to a new normal. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.

Hardship has a way of crystallizing our thinking, making us realize what we need to change.  

Those who have been resistant to learn technology have jumped in with both feet during the pandemic because they had to. They’ll be further along than they would’ve been and technology might be something they come to embrace.

Those who have been reliant on one form of income may begin to explore multiple streams because they’ve learned the hard way how easily one form can disappear overnight. 

Those who are in professions that were shutdown may have taken temporary work in a different profession that is immune to such problems, allowing a few to stumble into a profession they enjoy more.

Those who struggled to make mortgage and car payments during the pandemic may have downsized but then realized they could adapt to a smaller lifestyle easier than they realized. They may even enjoy the freedom that comes with lower payments.  

Companies that routinely sent employees out of town for meetings may conclude that teleconferencing worked pretty well in some cases during the pandemic, which will allow them to trim their travel budget. In turn, that may free up employees for product development or to hone in on other ways to streamline business.

Those who stumbled into a ministry, such as buying and delivering groceries for elderly neighbors, may want to continue to do so as a means for being Jesus to their neighbors. 

Musicians who live-streamed shows and presentations for tips may realize it was a great way to create intimate connections with fans while also paying the bills without traveling as often. 

Some church leadership, as well as the laity, may realize that we don’t go to church; we are the church. We can’t wait to worship together again, but we’ve been connecting in other ways, as well as ministering to people beyond the four walls and it feels more authentic. 

Our downtime has surely caused introspection about personal areas of weakness we need to work on. While some will bury their heads in the sand, some will begin the difficult work to change. 

Maybe yearnings for old hobbies returned. Or a new one emerged. 

Some may have concluded that a talent should be a hobby, rather than a profession, or a hobby should be a profession. 

What will you change due to COVID-19? 

Will you make an emergency savings a priority? Will you downsize? Will you develop multiple streams of income? Will you change professions? Will your business practices change? Will you start a legacy journal? Will you continue reaching out to people with the new technology you’ve learned? Will you continue a new ministry that has developed?