Continue social distancing, but call, text or email your friends. They're lonely or frustrated too.
Over the past few weeks, I have heard and witnessed panic, frustration, and people who are afraid, as evidenced by empty store shelves. Last week, I saw people in line waiting as the employees were trying to stock shelves, to take whatever they had in the box. I don't remember this much panic, and uncertainty even after Hurricane Irma.
It takes a lot of faith to know that even this will pass, and we will survive. Reading one of my devotions this morning, the scripture message was about crossing the Jordan river. I cannot imagine what the people of Israel were experiencing when they realized they were going to cross that river which was now at flood stage. I'm thinking they were in a panic, feeling frustrated, and scared. Probably for the same reasons we are all feeling panicked, frustrated and afraid. How long will this virus thing go on? How long will I be out of work? When will my church resume services? Will we have enough food? If I am infected, how will that impact my family?
On that morning, I'm sure that Joshua was experiencing all those emotions too, but he still obeyed the Lord.
And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap (Joshua 3:13, NKJV).
That took an enormous amount of faith, to step out into that flood stage, mighty river. But they did it, because they believed.
A different scenario manifested itself this week. Several of the shelves at the grocery store were filled. Is that because we are finally believing, this too shall pass?
I'm taking that first step, and waiting for the waters to depart for me too. I want to encourage you to continue following the directives the Department of Health has recommended. Continue social distancing, but that doesn't mean you can't email, text, or call your friends. Don't lose touch with the people you love and care about. They are frustrated and afraid too.
I don't take a biblical view of the situation. But this pestilence, if you will, need not affect the supply chain for food and necessary materials. Maintaining sanitary practices and social distancing should allow necessary commodities to reach everyone.
We had an initial rush on stores like everyone else here in the United States. People usually panic from rumors they hear from their friends. Now spread at lightning speed on cell phones and the Internet, even before officials can announce what they are doing. But many people in our huge community of 5 million people are out there making sure that children and the elderly are able to get what they need without having to expose themselves. Essential businesses are open and behaving carefully to avoid further spread that is happening in spite of most people's efforts.
Coronavirus is very contagious. It will result in serious complications for about 20% of those infected and it will kill about 4%, usually with underlying conditions. Panic won't change that. But it might increase the rate of contagion.
Best to be calm, have a plan, and come up with ways to occupy time at home, relieving the stress.
Reflections and Nature Watercolors is a collection of Margaret's spontaneous positive thoughts in celebrating and reflecting on life and her nature watercolors.
In "A Touch of Your Presence" are words that would inspire, encourage and strengthen one's soul when faced with challenges and difficulties and to know the awesomeness of God's power.
Over the past few weeks, I have heard and witnessed panic, frustration, and people who are afraid, as evidenced by empty store shelves. Last week, I saw people in line waiting as the employees were trying to stock shelves, to take whatever they had in the box. I don't remember this much panic, and uncertainty even after Hurricane Irma.
