No one in this country (and likely in the world) has gone untouched by recent events. Our daily lives look different. Our routines are different. And no doubt, our perspectives are different. Below is a list of things that have seemingly changed overnight or came into focus or have been observed as time has marched us forward. 

1. Farmers & Food providers have suddenly become the most highly regarded, essential businesses in our country

2. We suddenly have value for essential jobs and infrastructure workers that hasn't existed in decades. 

3. We finally understand the value of local businesses and how much they provide but also how dependent they are on us. Support local when you can! 

4. We have value for the roll-up-your-sleeves, hard, "dirty" jobs. 

5. We have realized the value of American-made goods. They may possibly  be more expensive but you can't put a price on being a self sufficient country. 

6. Families are being forced to spend time together - it is not an option for most. And in this time people are realizing the value of their family.

7. People are still people - both good and bad. For example: your neighbors that you know to be good, steady people can and did turn into grocery and supply hoarders under pressure.

8. We are much more socially dependent than we realize. Even with every type of technology available to us today to stay connected - it does not even slightly replace us being together in person.

9. This sudden excess of time together has a way of uncovering relationship issues - especially in marriages! 

10. We have a new and renewed understanding of the value of our Elders and how much we need them. We draw upon their knowledge and experience of previous hardships for hope and perspective. We learn from them by asking how they got through hard times, overcame them and walked out of them. 

11. We have a renewed appreciation for the medical community as we realize we could never repay the price they are willing to pay to keep us well and healthy.

12. Recent events have been the great equalizer! There is no race, no gender, no rich, no poor, no nothing - suddenly we are all created equal in our physical vulnerability. 

13. When in doubt, we as a society show up with laughter in tough times! No doubt, some of the creators of memes have incredible talent!  

14. School teachers will never again go unappreciated by student's parents or society! 

15. We used to complain about having to work - only to wish we actually could.

16. We constantly lie to ourselves about all the things we want to get done if we just have the time.

17. We have realized the fragility of storing precious memories and photos digitally. Suddenly we realize that having our photos, our videos and even our entertainment exclusively on the cloud isn't wise as they can disappear instantaneously! 

18. Cooking and Baking have become important and essential skills as we fill the time together. 

19. Gardening and canning fruits and vegetables will be increasing big time as time moves on. 

20. More people eat for comfort than would ever be willing to admit it! 

21. The availability and quality of our daily bread is much more important than we ever believed.

22. It will be a long time before we complain at a restaurant about anything in regards to social entertainments and the service industry. 

23. We realize that there really is a bottom to our supply chain. When the entire country buys more than they can use, manufacturers can't instantly make more.

24. We (women in particular) have placed a bunch of our self worth in looking good. We get our hair done, our lash extensions, our eyebrows waxed, our manicures and pedicures and more. With many of these businesses on pause, we realize just how often we get served especially as we take care of ourselves. Let's focus on feeling good! 

25. None of us would survive without those annoying semi-trucks we complain about on the freeways. Thank a trucker today!

26. Being PROACTIVE is probably the single most valuable attribute in days like these.

 27. A church building is really just a building.

28. Many churches are realizing that they have not taught their flock the whole gospel - parts that are very much needed in times like this.

29. Churches are being forced to decide what they believe and be willing to stand up for it. There is no longer any room for half-hearted church.

30. God matters big time!