Where I live in California is now under a Stay Home mandate again. That means only essential workers, no inside or outside dining (carry out, curbside, or delivery only), no group gatherings, and staying in your own home unless necessary to leave. We had the same mandate in March. Gradually the restrictions lifted then, but now we are in a dire position as our ICU beds are filling and the numbers of cases of COVID-19 are increasing at a much greater rate, especially after Thanksgiving, and with concern for the holidays yet to come.
As it happens, my husband and I are in the greatest risk age group, plus we both have additional health risk factors. So since March we have been extremely cautious, meaning we did not go to restaurants or other businesses when they were open, we do all our shopping online or curbside, we worship online with the church (which has never been defined as a building), and our “bubble” is very small. Does it feel confining? Sometimes. Do we get depressed? More than we wish we did. Do we long to see other faces rather than just our own? Uh, yeah. Do we need hugs? Yes, please—but really, air hugs from 6 feet away and masked has to be sufficient for now. Y’all, this isn’t fun. Several family members have had the virus and, thankfully, survived. And seriously, as a retired couple whose income has not been affected, we are so much better off than so many others—especially those who have lost their jobs or businesses, and most especially those who have lost loved ones. People are hurting, and it is heartbreaking.
Thankfully the vaccine seems to be within reach and we can finally feel like we have a way to fight back against this horrible virus. I think maybe the feeling of helplessness is one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with. We like to feel that we are in control of our lives, and this virus has been out of control for a long time. And not only can I not do anything about the virus beyond trying to keep myself and my loved ones safe, I can’t do anything to help others.
Or can I? One of the most important things right now (and always) is kindness. We all need kindness and a little grace as we navigate these rough waters. And care and compassion for others. And communication! We talk on the phone, FaceTime, and Skype with our loved ones as often as possible. As we are getting our Christmas cards out (which I must confess we don’t always do), it occurred to me that it is more important than it ever has been to make that connection with the people we love. So send those cards, make those calls, connect on FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. Think of those who may be especially lonely in this time when we can’t always be with those we love and connect with them, too.
I can make a difference by changing my focus from myself to others. Being home all day I have been working on my coloring pages, my blog, and many other projects that are self-focused as I do them, helping me through these times. But my goal is to create things that make a difference in the lives of others, and I need to keep that focus in the forefront. I want to make a difference by encouraging positivity and inspiration through the things I draw and write. It’s a small thing.
There are so many others doing big things to make a difference, and two of them are my daughters. This is a shout-out to all the doctors and other health-care workers, to all the teachers and school staffs, and all the essential workers who are saving lives and risking their health to make our lives easier than they could be in these circumstances. You are an inspiration to me and to so many others.
I want us to hold on to the positive example of all the people who are sacrificing for us. And do what we can to have a positive impact on those in our sphere of influence. If you have the opportunity, try to share experiences of overcoming hardships with those younger than you, especially teens and young adults who may feel like they will never return to the life they had before this virus turned all our lives upside down, never be happy again. They need encouragement as much or more than we do. Be their calm in the center of chaos. They need your strength and faith.
We who have lived for more years than we like to keep track of have a unique opportunity to offer perspective. We have lived through things. We have come out on the other side of difficult challenges. We have learned and grown. We have seen God working in our lives and the lives of others and know He has not forsaken us and never will. We have even lost loved ones and found our way through the grief. The way we handle this new wave of the pandemic can make a difference. Have faith that we will get through this and come out on the other side, maybe even better people. Share that faith with your friends and family. And please, please, do everything you can to stay safe, keep others safe, and make sure that we are all still here next year! I’d love to hear your stories of overcoming, or how you’re dealing with the pandemic, or how you’ve helped others deal with it! Leave a comment below!
With much love, care, and prayer,
