COVID-19 has caused the shutdown of most educational institutions worldwide. These closures are estimated to impact over 90% of the world’s student population,¹ and at least 55 million students in the United States alone.² In the world of education, could there be a silver lining surrounding this COVID-19 pandemic?

Reading last month’s news about a once-endangered species, the trumpeter swan, provides a hope-inspiring illustration about making a comeback after venturing through past perils that risked ruin.^1,2

With social distancing measures in place, it may be tempting to think that the work of Christian missions has ceased. After all, most people are limited to their own homes and essential activities.

Yet, God is still active in the midst of the pandemic. One of the important ways God is working in our world is through the ministry of chaplains all across the United States.

When America’s president must make decisions about how to transition from a shut-in citizenry (and shut-down economy) to post-isolationist advances toward resuming business-as-usual activities,¹ it is time to learn a lesson about balance. And balance it what we see in the athletic agility of mountain goats, adroitly ambulating alpine ascents of the Rocky Mountains.

Despite criticism from the world medical community, Sweden has taken a more relaxed approach to the COVID-19 threat. It has not initiated a nationwide lockdown and, as of April 15, scientists are starting to see a welcome plateau in coronavirus cases.¹ This is a significant development. It is not according to the apocalyptic predictions made by most in the medical community.