I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get to witness the Rapture of those committed to Christ. I had full plans to stay behind and care for any animals who were left without owners. I spent too much time scrolling social media and watching some of the “rapture prep” content. There was an alarming number of people who prepared their homes and campers for us lowly, unsaved humans who might need them after they've gone to Jesus. And several who left detailed instructions on the care of their animals, as many Christians don't believe they have savable souls. I'm constantly startled and amazed by how embarrassing we are as a species.
The Bible says we won't know when the end times will happen, and it describes separation, war, famine, and natural disasters—all of which have been happening since we graced the earth with our destructive existence. Of course, I do believe there will be an end. There would have to be, as the world itself can't sustain us for many more centuries, and we as humans are so power-driven and selfish that we will be the ultimate ruin.
As funny as those short videos and detailed blogs were to watch, there's still some truth in their commitment to preparing for the end. Most people, somewhere deep inside, are afraid to some degree, worried for our children, our grandchildren, and ourselves. The climate in the United States, especially, has been worrisome since 2020. This is nothing new. Many are afraid to go out at night in their cities, send their children to school, or even go to a public event. I personally am homeschooling my children now. While my reason for this change in our lives wasn't driven by fear of school shootings, the peace of mind is definitely a benefit. I do enjoy it, and so do my two youngest.
I also find myself more hyper-aware of my surroundings than I have been in the past. Despite not being a political person, we now live in a world where complete strangers demand that you take a side and have an opinion. Actually, I was just at an appointment for the girls today, and we were the only ones waiting until a very liberal woman dragged herself in and plopped down, huffing and puffing. She immediately began scoffing at the news and making inappropriate political comments to the television on the wall, often looking at me as if she was anticipating a reaction or response. She received nothing in return other than me loudly telling my daughters, "Just ignore her; she wants attention." One bonus to being in your 40s and above is that your "give a fuck" and social tact buttons break. And mine have been broken for a long time.
That may present as harsh or messy, but I actually lose a lot of respect when people act a fool in public with the delusion of grandeur that everyone else really cares. I have similar reactions to those who scream at store personnel, demand free food at restaurants due to someone's mild discrepancy in their order, and people who make their argumentative phone calls in public so the whole world can be in on their toxicity. As our world slowly disintegrates, I find myself less and less tolerant of the majority of my fellow humans. Call it fatigue, because that is what it is. The only positive in the current state of things is that I can guiltlessly justify my choice to remain in my home and space 90% of the time. Social distancing from idiocracy is a thing.