Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of Michael Goings and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dillon Herald.

Whether we want to believe it or not, we are at war with an invisible and insidious enemy that has unleashed fear and panic on many. To add insult to injury, this enemy has both beset and besieged us like the Greeks did the city of Troy in Greek Mythology and legend. In many (if not most) parts of our nation, where the coronavirus has spread, we are experiencing an unprecedented attack from this plague that has all but shut things down. Many things that we have grown accustomed to routinely doing have been either temporarily suspended or curtailed. So in a true sense, we are under siege by this villainous and vicious virus that has interrupted and inconvenienced all of our lives to some degree like nothing that we have ever experienced in our lifetime. Even hearing the “old folk” talk about Hoover Days (the Great Depression) and how tough it was during that time when I was growing up did not have the total adverse effect on the culture and population as this pandemic. For certain, all of our prayers and hopes are that the time span of this evil that has beset and besieged us will be temporary and not lengthy or indefinite. Right here, I want to suggest and recommend some very practical things that you can do in order to avoid boredom, cabin fever, and be able to ride out the siege in a positive and productive way. If you put forth a serious effort, you can turn this negative into a positive and bring some good from the evil onslaught of the coronavirus.

Breaking the Siege
Through Reading
One of the old fashion ways of dealing with boredom and cabin fever is something that far too many of us have abandoned or neglected in this day of technology and social media. I am referring to the practice of reading. There are perhaps a few things that will break the siege that has necessitated spending more time at home and avoiding gatherings of more than ten people, like reading a good book, whether fiction or nonfiction. This lost practice that was once commonplace in the culture before the advent of radio dramas, television, and of course, social media is a sure way to occupy your time, prevent boredom, feed your intellect, and expand your vocabulary at the same time. People occasionally ask me (who hear me speak or read some material that I have written) where did I obtain my vocabulary or usage of words. Well, I certainly was not born with it nor did it come by mere chance I have (since my preteen days) been an avid reader. I would spend much time reading the encyclopedia, the dictionary, comic books, and other material (except the ones that I should have been reading – namely my textbooks). Little wonder, I did not perform academically like I perhaps should have. My practice of being an avid reader is just as practical today as it ever was. So weathering the siege of the coronavirus is a breeze for me because I love to both read and write. Go into your storage of old and discarded stuff that you no longer deem as being relevant and practical in this era of high tech and social media. Reactivate reading, for it is still fundamental to intellectual, spiritual, and even professional enhancement and growth.

Breaking the Siege Through Family Time
and Talk
To be perfectly honest, the practice that I am considering in this section is one that I am very negligent. I could not recommend this as a means to break the siege without first saying “ouch!” I am guilty of failing miserably in this area. However, my negligence does not render the fact that family time and talk is a great way to overcome the boredom and inactivity that this coronavirus has produced. It is something that will be both beneficial and constructive to the family unit. It is something that should have been taking place before the siege of the plague ever happened. Amazingly, this evil virus is forcing us to re-evaluate some priorities and practices that far too many of us have trivialized and neglected.

Breaking the Siege Through Attended Neglected House Chores
For many of us, one of the ways that the siege of the coronavirus can be broken is through attending to chores and things that need to be fixed or cleaned up in the house, garage, and even the yard. Again, I am a neglector and stand guilty of allowing things to back up at my house that desperately need attending. I am quite sure that I am not the only one who could occupy themselves with attending to some of the things that they have neglected to do at home that would dispel much of the boredom and inactivity. Wouldn’t it be constructive and a great accomplishment that at the end of this siege, we discover that something very productive came out of this crisis with all the time that many of us have at our disposal that will be wasted unless we put it to some productive and positive purpose? We will live with regret if we remain idle and inactive during this season when much that we were accustomed to doing has either been suspended or drastically curtailed. Let us get busy in and around the house and attend to those things that we have neglected for far too long.

Breaking the Siege
Through Serving Others
The final suggestion that we are going to present to you as a good and unselfish way to overcome the boredom, idleness, and inactivity of the coronavirus siege is through making yourself available to help and serve others. There are people like those who are disabled, aged, or both who will certainly welcome the help of anyone who is trustworthy and willing to give them a helping hand. Many people in this category need people to go to places like the grocery store, drug store, and other places that have items that are necessary to their well-being and sustenance. Then finally, we who are believers and true servants of Jesus Christ can use this time encouraging and strengthening others (both believers and unbelievers) through our cell phone and Facebook page. Due to the fact that this pandemic has produced panic and uncertainty in so many, it is an opportune time for Christians to demonstrate that we are truly the light of the world and salt of the earth as our Lord defined us. The following passages are very appropriate to conclude with today:
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)