Social distancing. It can be boring. And, we all think that we are OK to be out and about. It’s those OTHER people that are the problem. Here are some things to consider in today’s environment:
While people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest), some spread might be possible before people show symptoms. There have been reports of this occurring with this new corona-virus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community. So, we should probably enact the “better safe than sorry” attitude.
You may be taking every precaution and feel very safe about visiting with an at-risk person. But, can you guarantee that the people with which you have contact are taking the best precautions? What about their interactions with others? The best advice may be “Act like you are already contagious.”
Wearing gloves can protect your hands from coming in contact with the virus, but you still can pick up and spread the virus on the gloves. Wearing a pair of gloves all day may actually do more harm than good. Good hygiene is the best alternative.
Be aware of what you touch. Don’t forget to clean your phone, your mouse, your keyboard. Antibacterial gels/hand washing won’t do much good if the items your touch most often are never cleaned/sanitized.
Some of us are still required to go into the office to work. I carry a disposable towel with me from the car to the office and use it as a barrier when I have to touch the stair railing, door handles, elevator buttons and light switches. I dispose of it when I enter the office. I have a bottle of disinfectant that I used daily on my desk items, my desk phone and my cell phone, the copier buttons, light switches and door handles in the office. I wash my hands often and use Hand Sanitizer quite often. When I leave for the day, I reverse the process and use a disposable towel on the way to the car, taking advantage of the garbage cans in the parking garage. Then, I use my hand sanitizer before touching my steering wheel. Because I am still working in an office, I am hesitant to be around any high risk persons.
Social distancing is challenging. But, the better job I do at protecting others from ME, the faster the curve will flatten and life will return to normal (whatever that might be.)
Why are our measurements and comparisons often negative?
When discussing the current pandemic, we focus on the number of current cases and deaths. While these are a valid numbers, why are the number of recoveries not mentioned?
Instead of celebrating that I have a safe home in which to live, I complain about the size or the style or the changes than need to be made.
I look at my overly full closet and moan about having nothing to wear.
My pantry and refrigerator are fully stocked, but I yearn to eat out in a sit down restaurant.
I bemoan coming to work (as an identified essential) while others are sheltering at home. But, I neglect to be thankful for an income and a faster commute.
I watch with fear as the price of oil drops and forget to enjoy the cheaper gas costs.
I whine about not being able to see/visit with my friends in family groups or at church. However, I overlook the opportunities this affords me to spend time studying, crafting and concentrating on my family.
It’s easy to concentrate on what we are missing or losing. This pandemic is affecting weddings and funerals, work and vacations. Maybe, this is a time to refocus on what is important. It’s the marriage that should be the focus, not the wedding. We should cherish the living instead of waiting until it’s too late. We need to count ourselves fortunate that we can work without letting it be the focus of our lives. And, the best vacations are all about spending time with the ones that we love and cherish, not the location that we visit or the entertainment.
Life will return to normal. We will get to have the celebrations as well as all the other options for entertainment and/or travel. Our routines will again take over our lives. One can only hope and pray that we do not forget the positive lessons that we learn right now.
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I’ve had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he’s left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he’s coming or going. I’ve decided that there’s nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That’s it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It’s God’s gift.
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is. Whatever will be, is. That’s how it always is with God.
I like routines. I survive with the illusion of being in control. I do not accept change well. My first defense is just to ignore what’s swirling around me and wait for the dust to settle. But, the dust isn’t settling very quickly this time. The world is caught up in the chaos for disease and failing economies. I track the oil prices on my phone; not a comforting activity right now. Social media has been both a help and a hindrance recently. There are lots of resources being offered up, but the panic buying (hoarding) has also been fueled by some of the posts. The news media seems to be more intent on scaring up a story than providing facts and information in a calm and helpful manner. It’s hard to know what is real and what is just hype.
We are encouraged to practice social distancing. Schools are on extended breaks. Universities are moving to online classes only. Some businesses are instituting remote work. Other are beginning the furlough process (Unpaid Corona Vacations) for employees. Restaurants have shifted takeout only. Churches are using the internet to meet. Stores are closing or cutting hours. Groceries are scarce at times. And, Toilet Paper has become the prime indicator of how well we are doing. When it rains, it pours! What are we supposed to do?
Chaos is defined as “a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.” I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’m living the definition of chaos. Over the past few months, there have been several very unsettling events that have thrown my life a little off-balance. They didn’t happen to me directly, but they have affected me just the same. These events brought change to MY normal and I reacted emotionally and spiritually. As I have been trying to recover my balance, the stock market crashed, oil prices tanked, and the Coronavirus pandemic took center stage. Although, I continue to go to work each day and I may seem to be in control, my mind is reeling as my world seemingly spins out of control. I have to fight the urge to go into “Fix it” mode.
My morning devotion was in Psalm 37. One verse in particular (a very familiar one) answered the question “What am I supposed to do?) Here are several versions of the 7th verse of Psalm 37:
“Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.”
the Message
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
New International
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
King James
“Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.”
Amplified
Be still. Right. Easier said than done. I do not WANT to be still and wait. I want things back to normal. But, right now, being still is the best thing that I can do. I can be still in my home, away from the rush. Families will have the time to eat meals together, to play games together, and to just BE together. There are no extracurricular activities that require our attendance or attention. We can choose to use this time to connect deeply with our spouse and/or children or we can waste the time fretting and binge watching on the internet. We can moan about having to eat at home or enjoy the creativity of prepping meals together, even if that means helping to unpack the take-out. We can worry about where the economy is headed or take advantage of opportunities to save money during this distancing period. We can allow the chaos to eat us alive, or we can turn to God and allow Him to speak to each of us in the quiet.
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to spend more time in the quiet. I’ll practice being still before God. I will spend time in His word. I will once again spend time drawing, journaling and creating in order to connect with my refuge and my strength.
I choose to see this chaotic time as an opportunity to reconnect, to return to my roots, to grow in my faith. I will be still.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields[d] with fire. 10 He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’
There are several platitudes that we say in order to find or give comfort:
1. Into each life some rain must fall.
2. God will never give you more than you can handle.
The first statement is rather sanctimonious. It basically says “Get over it. We all suffer!”
The 2nd statement is a misrepresentation of a Bible passage: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I’ve come to understand that my strength depends on God. If I’m only tested to my strength, I will never need God. However, when I understand that “God will provide”, I know that I rely upon Him for all of my strength and endurance.
I think of The story of Noah. He was told to build a BIG boat. He was ridiculed. I doubt he truly understood, but he obeyed. The children’s stories make us think the journey through the flood lasted 40 days. The rains may have lasted that long, but Noah and his family were in the Ark for almost a year. I wonder if they had enough toilet paper? Do you think Noah survived on his own power? God gave Noah the Ark plans. Did He share the long term (ie: one year on the water) plan? Noah’s Faith was tested.
Are you ready to spend a year of faith living? How about a month or a day or even an hour? I want to say yes. However, the control side of me wants more information and frankly, more control. We are in the midst of panic and fear in our world. Will we trust God to provide everything we need even when we don’t have toilet paper? Do I have a choice?
“So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.
“So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
We’ve all heard the story of “The Three Little Pigs’. The first little pig built his house out of straw. The second little pig used sticks. The third pig used bricks. The wolf was able to “huff and puff” and blow down the first and second houses, but the brick house withstood his efforts. As a child in VBS, I also remember singing the song about the foolish man and the wise man:
The wise man built his house upon the rock The wise man built his house upon the rock The wise man built his house upon the rock And the rains came tumbling down
The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up And the house on the rock stood firm
The foolish man built his house upon the sand The foolish man built his house upon the sand The foolish man built his house upon the sand And the rains came tumbling down
The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up The rains came down and the floods came up And the house on the sand went smash.
So, how many of us truly heed the warnings of these two children’s stories?
We live in a “microwave” world. We have no patience to wait for anything. We eat fast food, drink coffee from pods, use credit to the extreme, treat sex as a dating option, and seek “happiness” above all else. We’ve lost the need or the desire to plan, wait and/or build something of value. We struggle and come apart over the “stuff”. We live in a culture that confuses wants with needs. I NEED a bigger house. I NEED a new car. I NEED the new phone. I NEED to be happy. I NEED to have the BEST.
Instead of being content with what we can afford, we buy and sell and trade. We save for the temporary things that we will tire of when the next newest thing is unveiled. But, we forget about investing in the things that matter. We are so intent in our pursuit of happiness, that people and relationships become secondary. We don’t take the time to repair and/or build our marriages or relationships. We treat relationships that should be the most precious with less regard than the latest IPhone.
As we build relationships, we establish a solid footing for marriage. We build the brick house for ourselves. When sex becomes the basis for my happiness, I build a house of straw or sticks without a foundation. A challenge or problem within the fragile walls will knock it down. I know that I’m old school. I do believe in the marriage vows “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.” Unfortunately, the truth of many a marriage is this: “to have and to hold today, (unless you disappoint me or become a bigger liability than an asset to my happiness) or until something better comes along.”
I do believe that we have to return to our strong belief in family values. I do not advocate the “Leave it to Beaver” life, but I do believe that marriage and family have to come first. My children were always important to me. I was the typical Momma Bear and they knew they could depend on me to stand up for them. However, my husband came first. If I did not focus on building a strong marriage, my kids wouldn’t have the family that they needed. These are the “bricks” that I have found critical to a successful life/marriage:
My Relationship with God
My Relationship with my spouse
Taking care of my children
I met both of my husbands through church. Faith has been a huge part of each of my marriages. Without God, I could not have survived some of the things I have endured. We believe that God is in control. We have to trust in Him for all our needs. My kids were also raised in the church. I would make a pallet on the floor of the gym where we had services and lay my baby on it while I practiced the hymns and/or offertories on the piano. Gracie learned hymns in the womb with I practiced. The church was a 2nd home to my children. Sunday’s were not optional. We would be in church that day. Never a question.
Date nights every month away from our kids are important. When my children were small and money was tight, we were known to drop them off with a sitter and go home to watch TV alone. It was what we did as much as just building time together, alone. It’s important to spend time growing together. It’s so easy to get pushed apart with children in the house. There’s so much to do. Sleep is often at a premium. It’s work to remain a couple and not just co-parents.
I’ve spent my life being a working a mom. I went to the office and sometimes traveled for work. I don’t think my children ever felt slighted. In fact, after being laid off and home for 9 months, they were ECSTATIC when I returned to the work force.
There are many, many options in life. I would challenge myself as well as others to decide which battles in which you engage. Is the fight for newest or the best “thing” critical to your life? Or, will it just bring a moment of happiness and feed the “NEXT” wolf? Will my house stand against the huffing and puffing?
Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”
“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down And I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown”
The Old Rugged Cross
There’s nothing that I can do to change the past. I can only hold fast to the truth. The Crucifixion was a horrible event. But, I can celebrate the empty tomb. Because Christ went to the cross and died for me, because He was raised again on the 3rd day, I will strive to honor Him. The Cross & the empty Tomb are intertwined into my life of faith. It is because of Him that I can have peace through the daily grind.
“At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus. They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words.”
Luke 24:1-8 MSG
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true It’s shame and reproach gladly bear Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away Where his glory forever I’ll share
The Old Rugged Cross
When I really dig deep and understand the torture that Christ went through for the world, I cringe. And when I realize that it was for “ME” that He died, I am ashamed of the days that I have not been worthy of that gift, of His death.
“The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They plaited a crown from branches of a thornbush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion.”
“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.”
The Old Rugged Cross
Things and events often feel very distant, maybe even insignificant to the daily struggles of life. This is especially true of events that we did not personally witness. In my Christian walk, although we talk of the sacrifice that Christ made, I often look at the cross as something very distant from my life. It happened, but I don’t always count the cost in my day to day adventures.
“This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me—I could take that. This isn’t a foreign devil spitting invective—I could tune that out. It’s you! We grew up together! You! My best friend! Those long hours of leisure as we walked arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.”
Melissa's Musings 