-- Howard W. Norton (May 11, 2020)

When our grandchildren’s grandchildren read about the coronavirus-economic shutdown of 2020, and ask what America learned from the experience, a good answer might be, “Don’t take too much for granted.” 

Since we begin life taking everything for granted, the habit is hard to break.  We assume we are in total control of our destiny and become like the proverbial turtle placed on the fencepost.  The turtle begins to assume he got there by himself.   

I have taken so much for granted in my journey: plenty of oxygen, food and water, clothing, shelter, good health, caring parents, dedicated teachers, employment, opportunities to grow, mobility, freedom, stable government, a loving wife, healthy children, good friends, full shelves at the grocery store, excellent medical care, and life itself. M

I’m wrong, but I think most Americans are like me. We learned in the Spring of 2020, however, that much of what we took for granted can disappear almost overnight. 

This wake-up call should remind us to repent of our presumption and confess with Job that “in his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”  (Job 12:10 – ESV).