[This is more of a personal update than my typical blogpost with a few opinions thrown in—enjoy!]

A little over a week ago I was super excited to have our son Jamin move back in with us here in Chicago before heading off to his sophomore year at Trinity International University (TIU). Disc golf, windsurfing, and plenty of hanging out was all on the schedule. Until it wasn’t!

Three days after his arrival he went in to a local clinic for mandatory COVID-19 testing (required by TIU to return to campus). On the same day, the Kentucky health department called and informed him that he had been exposed to COVID-19 a week prior to moving back to Illinois. With some trepidation we waited for the results due 48 hours later, and we were not so excited when they came back positive. Hence, all our father/son plans came to a screeching halt (we did get a number of disc golf games in—Jamin is happy to tell you I only won one of them!) and we’re currently isolated inside our condo with friends dropping off groceries at the front door.

The good news? We’re all doing well physically without any symptoms. Hopefully it remains that way. We have friends whose experience was not so fortunate—some becoming very sick. 

Which brings me to my first thought on the pandemic—it is definitely a reality! There are plenty of people who have become very sick and may deal with the consequences for the rest of their lives. My heart truly goes out to them.

Second thought: While I’ve been certainly tempted to discount the measures our country has taken to lessen the pandemic’s effects, I am reminded that with all the unknowns, at least there is a propensity toward playing it safe rather than losing countless lives. That’s not to say I entirely agree with all the measures—it’s simply acknowledging that there’s a high value present for life.

Third thought: While I do not like wearing a mask at all (and yes, I may lose some of my readership now!), prior to quarantine I’ve chosen to wear one publicly in required spaces and around those who are fearful of getting the virus. I do this out of respect for those who are vulnerable and to the authorities God has placed over me. My basis for this is Paul’s words in Romans 13.

Final thought: While numerous conspiracy theories continue to swirl around in cyberspace regarding this virus, I choose to not spread them. For one reason, many of these theories instill only fear, something foreign in the Kingdom of God (see 2 Timothy 1:7). Secondly, I want to be aligned with the truth and not promote that which will most likely be proven false and baseless. 

Feedback? Thoughts? Please email them to luke@lukekuepfer.com.