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If there is one thing we should come away with when this crisis is over, in addition to the importance of washing our hands, of course, it's the newfound understanding of what is most important in our lives. We've all spoken casually of faith, family, and friends, and alluded to our benevolence in contributing each Christmas to the local rescue mission, but until now I don't think we fully understood how hollow those words rang. I know I didn't.

Facing the dangers of the pandemic and not being entirely certain if I fall into any significant risk category (I have mild asthma), I've been forced to assess the value of those things that make up my life, and there have been some surprises. While I sincerely wish no one any harm and hope everyone comes out unscathed, I have discovered there are those in my life who are more important to me than others, and they aren't always who I expected them to be. This caused a lot of mixed feelings, as you can imagine, but I can't help who holds the most space in my heart. Shared blood doesn't always translate into a shared heart.

Then there are my pets. What can I say there? Their devotion is worth more than their combined weight in gold, and I'm sure there are many out there who know exactly what I'm talking about.

For quite a while now, even before we were advised to do so, I've been living a primarily isolated existence. The telephone and internet have been my primary links to the outside world, much more so than the television or radio. For this reason, as shallow as it may sound, the mere thought of losing my wifi connection is enough to raise my anxiety level. To do so, I'm afraid, would render me totally isolated in a world where connection is more important now than ever.

There are other things that I value highly but these are at the top of my list. Not as high are things like my material goods. I have a lot of stuff, some of which hold a lot of sentimental value. But when push comes to shove, even they remain mere stuff. A warm hug is much more valuable to me than holding a favored Christmas ornament.

What's important to me may not hold the same importance to you but that is not my reason for sharing these things with you. What I hope you do is take this opportunity to take a look around and take in everything that surrounds you. What could you bear to live without? What could you not? Whatever those things of value are I hope you find it in yourself to understand why you place such a high value on them then appreciate them for it. In this time of uncertainty there are no promises.