Al and I had to make a somewhat risky decision six weeks ago. With the pandemic looming, we had to decide whether or not to attend a wedding of our friendsā youngest daughter Phoebe and her sweet Jacob. We decided to go and were blessed to ride downtown with a couple of great friends we too seldom spend time with.
The next day we went to church as usual. But after listening to the news that afternoon about the Coronavirus, I decided to stay home from Bible study. Since then, our church has depended upon livestream worship and Zoom. Our lives together had changedāsuddenly and drastically.
Since then weāve crossed out over 20 events, appointments, etc. on our March-April calendars, cancelled an Airbnb in Flagstaff, AZ for our May family reunion, and thankfully not gotten COVID-19.
With all the changes have come new insight and skills. From YouTube, Iāve learned to make pompons for knitted hats completed for next yearās NBA All-Star game and face masks that have been donated to St. Francis Hospice and Valle Vista Health as well as given to family and friends. BTW: Iām still making them if you need some. And of course, I’ve learned to Zoom.
How have I spent my time? Iāve zigzagged between writing, reading, cooking, baking, sewing, bike riding, practicing yoga, and most recently gardening. Some things havenāt changed much. I still get up at 6am Monday through Friday and walk with two friends around the neighborhood for 40 minutes with social distancing, of course! Al and I still watch TV or movies almost every night. BTW: If you havenāt seen vintage movies such as Lilies of the Field or Casablanca, now would be a good time.
The absolute BEST part of these past six weeks, however, has been not looking forward to the next event or activity but enjoying the NOW. Iāve listened to and watched more birds than I have in my entire life. My time with God doesnāt stop with the morning study, prayer and devotional. Iāve felt His presence throughout the dayāespecially when I wash my hands reciting James 4:7-8. I think He gets a big kick out of that.
Relish this time. And count your blessingsāone by one.