Signora Sheila

We’ve been in and out of lockdowns here in Italy more times than I can count. And while they’ve varied in severity, they all have a few things in common. They’re inconvenient and unpleasant. But even worse, they’ve stolen our personal freedom and liberty. And from my observations, they haven’t worked.

Thankfully, there were fewer restrictions during our summer season here. Only time will tell what the government decides to do in the colder months.

Back to normal?

We were grateful that to some extent things returned to a semblance of normalcy over the summer. Many businesses reopened, people went back to work, and schools should be back in session soon. And hospitals are starting to treat patients for things than the virus – even though they could have and should have been doing that all along.

Hubby also started back at the language school where he works. Which was strange and challenging after 7 months off! And strange for me after months of blissful 24/7 togetherness!

We’re grateful that he’s working again, but in some ways it’s like starting a new job! And how much he will work depends on the level of fear in society. Will parents even send their children?

Governments haven’t thought enough about the aftermath of the lockdowns. How will it be like? What will have changed? Will we have to get used to a drastically altered society? Or will things just go back to normal?

A new society?

I can only talk about what I’m seeing here, and what I’m observing as things open up, is that for the most part attitudes, people, and mentalities seem to have changed. It seems like a different society!

Italy has always been a very demonstrative culture. Very touchy-feely, lots of hugging and kissing. Hands and arms waving everywhere when talking and always gesturing.

But not anymore. Instead of coming up to greet you many back away, avoiding all contact. Of course the arms are still waving around. I think you’d have to tie Italians’ hands to keep them from talking with their hands!

But the traditional kiss on both cheeks has become rare. Nowadays it’s the elbow bump or the touching of clenched fists. It’s sad and doesn’t feel normal. :'( And that’s because it’s not!

Lockdown fall-out

But I’ve seen other fallout too, besides the ongoing social distancing and masking. The economy is struggling more than ever, with many jobs and businesses lost. And people are still recovering from the emotional and mental stress of being under house arrest.

Masks and social distancing are still required inside public places, on public transportation, in schools and churches, and in many workplace. And we are continually bombarded with the possibility of another lockdown with the arrival of colder weather.

Ever back to normal?

Will things ever get totally back to normal? I think (hope) they will. But I’m afraid were going to be dealing with the aftermath for a while. We’ve already seen changes in travel, personal and public relations, economics, government, and everyday life. I pray that we will eventually see the end of this and return to normal!

Good from lockdowns?

No, I am not saying that I think lockdowns are good. First of all, they don’t seem to have worked. Furthermore, they violate the laws and constitutions of most democratic nations and are a violation of our fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom.

But I firmly believe that God can bring good out of anything, even pandemics and lockdowns. Because he is never limited by anything or anyone.

If nothing else, lockdowns have helped many people realize that they had lost sight of the truly important things in life.

They have been a reminded us to place more value on things like:

• Relationships and human contact
• Solidarity with others
• Freedom, especially freedom of movement and choice
• Freedom of worship
• Nature and the great outdoors
• Good health care
• Employment
• Sufficient finances
• The value of using technology with others, and not just alone

After the lockdowns here, there was no immediate return to the way things were. And now they’re saying that we’ll just have get used a “new normal.” They’re predicting that things will never go totally back to the normal we once knew. I pray that won’t be the case. Because living in fear and separation is not a healthy way to live. It is not God’s way.

But no matter what happens, it’s important to keep looking on for the bright side. Because God is always at work, and always working for our good and His glory!

📷 Image credits: couple drinking; couple on bench; woman