By Sharon Van Arneman
At the beginning of this week, we saw the implementation of the first of several phases of St. Maarten’s economic reopening plan as services gradually resume operations, even as the island continues to battle COVID-19 along with much of the rest of the world. Naturally, while many applaud the lifting of the lockdowns that had been imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, there are others who wonder if re-opening this soon may jeopardise not only public health, but also the economy. But while it’s clear that we won’t all agree on what the best way forward is, I’m sure all of us can agree that COVID-19 has taught us a lesson or two – and more so having gone through this lockdown experience simultaneously with the rest of the world.
In my article last week, I listed 70 things COVID-19 has taught me; and what I want to do this week is to elaborate a bit on some of these points. The first one I’ll address is: “It will take more than a pandemic for some people to change their ways.” I’m always struck by unkind people who remain defiant and refuse to soften even in the face of disaster. Just when you think they’ll mend their ways, they show you just how evil they really are. They’re coming out of this lockdown ten times meaner than they went in. They’re the kind of people the apostle Paul asked his young protégé Timothy to stay away from, warning that people like that love only themselves and their money. They are boastful and proud. They scoff at God. They are disobedient to their parents. They’re ungrateful and consider nothing sacred. They’re unloving and unforgiving. They slander others and have no self-control. They are cruel and hate what is good. They betray their friends and are reckless and puffed up with pride. They love pleasure rather than God. They act religious but reject the power that could make them godly. Phew! When I think about it, it’s just plain sad that someone could go through something this catastrophic and not take time out to consider their ways.
The second lesson I want to talk about is this: “Pride is foolish.” My thoughts go to people in these desperate times who are going to bed hungry, but are so conscious of their public image they’d much rather pretend that all is well. The Bible book of Proverbs refers multiple times to people who, although they assume the airs of a well-to-do person, are actually in real want, some even finding it hard to put food on the table. People like that have to keep up appearances and wouldn’t be caught dead standing in the food line. See how foolish this thing called pride is?! If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s taught us that the successful business owner today can be needing government assistance tomorrow.
This brings me to the third lesson I want to focus on: “We don’t know what the future holds.” Today you’re managing a fast-growing company, tomorrow you can’t make ends meet. Today you’re the owner of a high-end restaurant, tomorrow you’re struggling to feed your family. Today you hold an enviable position at your job, tomorrow you’re filing for unemployment. Today you can meet all your monthly financial obligations easily, tomorrow you’re considering whether you should pay your bills or use the money to buy food. Today you’re gainfully employed, tomorrow you’re jobless. Today you have enough to spare, tomorrow you’re one of those requesting financial aid. All this ties right in with this fourth lesson: “Life as we know it can change in an instant.”
To contact Sharon,
write to P.O. Box 484,
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean.
Email:roseofsharon1966@hotmail.com
Phone: 1 (721) 554-9590
