Snippets from the Age of COVID-19: May 17, 2020.

Canadian food producers, impacted by the decreased number of workers available to farms, will suffer lower yields. This will impact the availability of fruits and vegetables in grocery stores. Hence, higher prices for these essential commodities. Add to that, the decreased amount of money available due to massive job losses and subsistence on unemployment benefits and you've got a big problem for families putting food on their tables.

It's no wonder that as the weather warms, many people are planting gardens in their backyards. They are the new subsistence farmers who are being educated in the art of survival. We are getting a taste of the "new reality" in the North American economy. What was once deemed as trouble and scarcity that was once confined to Third World countries, has now landed in our backyards.

The COVID-19 pandemic is leveling the playing field. Developed nations are feeling the impact of economic want. We are all getting poorer because of this global malady. However, we must not wallow in self-pity and become paralyzed in fear.

Now, is the time to rise up! We have looked into the abysmal pit of economic defaults and now must focus on the practicalities of life. We must realign our priorities and discard the foolish motivations which spurred us on to outwardly look prosperous while inwardly creating a tenuous economic reality. These times require sobriety, innovation, and a renewed dependence on a Higher Power.

Now is the time of not becoming drunk because of the loosening of lockdown restrictions. We have all been saddled with greater responsibilities to ourselves and to our fellow human beings. Let us not waste time on frivolities and pointless pursuits. It is time to focus on the important aspects of life in the here and now!