Quarantined?

I remember my grandmother telling us that when she was a child, she was quarantined because she had scarlet fever.  Authorities posted a yellow sign on their house to warn people away.  I never thought we’d experience the same kind of isolation—minus the sign.  Yet here we are.

I often decide what I’ll write about based on what is most on my mind at the time.  Well, right now what is most on my mind is most likely the same thing that’s on your mind—the Corona virus and its impact.  Here’s the thing—we just don’t know.  We just don’t know so much about this.  We do know that no one has immunity to it, and currently no vaccine exists.  That’s pretty much the extent of what we know for certain, as far as I can tell.  We don’t know how far it will spread, though we can assume it will spread far.  We don’t know when it will end.  We just don’t know so much; the problem is that we have to make decisions based on inadequate information.

So in the face of so much uncertainty, what can I do?  Let me rephrase that, what can I do that will be helpful, useful, kind, loving, gracious?  I’m talking to me because I’ve felt the anxiety, disappointment, uncertainty, frustration, and, yes, fear.  That’s not where I want to live.  I do know that!  So, again, what can I do?

I can pray.  I can pray lots—and lots. Philippians 4:4-7 is a good reminder for these times:   “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  That’s a good place to start—and continue, not just now but all the time.

I can reach out.  This does take some more creativity in times of social distancing and quarantine.  But it’s not impossible.  We have the blessing of technology—and right now it does feel like a blessing.  I can check in with my family and friends to see how they’re doing.  I can check on social media to see how people are reacting to all of this—and to laugh at the creative ways people are responding.  I can encourage and commiserate, as needed.

I can use my time well.  I have to admit I’m struggling with this.  My tendency is to just be a lump.  I have to push myself so that I don’t allow that.  I have to keep exercising, and I have plenty of ways I could do that.  I can read some of the stacks of books I have; they are about to topple over and do me harm.  I can work on some of the many craft projects I have lined up.  I can work on some of the tasks that I’ve wanted to do around the house.  I can . . . oh my, truly the list is dizzying.  I can turn off the TV and do some of these things.

Just some things to think about—and do.

Q:  How about you?  What can you do right now?  What are you doing right now?  What do you want to do right now?  I’d love to know!