Faith: Idahoans go extra mile to help neighbors, a bright light during dark pandemic

Recently my husband mentioned that he had noticed people acting in different ways than they usually do. I asked for examples, expecting accounts of people not following the stay-home/social distancing protocol or something similar. Instead, he told me of acts of kindness, concern for others and general neighborliness that he had observed.

He described people checking on friends and neighbors to see how they are doing, inquiring about ways they might help, and running errands for people who were unable to or concerned about leaving their home. Accounts of similar actions have been shared in the media and online.

In a period when most news is less than optimistic, it is encouraging to read of people reaching out to neighbors. There are people donating blood, giving to and working at food banks, picking up groceries for neighbors, and many other services. Among my favorite efforts is the 99-year-old COVID-19 survivor in England who walks on his patio to help regain his strength — and in the process is raising money for medical providers.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, we have things for which to be thankful. We are blessed to live in a caring community with many organizations working to provide food, shelter, clothing, health care and other services that many of us never think about.

We are blessed to have the technology that allows us to communicate with friends and family, work from home, take classes online, participate in religious services online, and order groceries delivered to our door — or for curbside pickup.

We may wish there had been more medical supplies and equipment available, but we have been blessed with dedicated medical providers who have stretched what they had to make it work. Some researchers are working to find a vaccine, while others are working to make testing for the virus available to more people. Hundreds of people in Idaho have been sewing masks for use in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities.

And there are the basic things that we rarely think about. There may be empty shelves in some stores now, but how fortunate we are as a country to have such a variety and quantity of goods available to us every day.

The options for travel, entertainment and education that we take for granted are beyond reach for many people in this world.

Though technology can bring classes online, parents who find themselves thrust into the role of teacher are probably feeling increased appreciation and gratitude to and for the teachers who have that responsibility full time.

As we find ourselves assuming responsibility for tasks usually done by others, making do with less than we are accustomed to, and taking on new roles, I hope we have increased awareness of the richness of our lives. Not only should we express gratitude to God for all our blessings, but we should remember his admonition to also love our neighbors. We can do that through service.

There are many ways to serve others. Consider contributing to or volunteering with those community agencies that serve the most vulnerable in our community. During this time of economic challenge, their resources are being seriously depleted just as the need for their services is increasing.

However and wherever you serve, remember the Savior’s words: “Inasmuch ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt 25:40