It’s Crazy!
My husband and I went shopping Saturday afternoon to pick up some groceries and supplies. Not an unusual amount, just what we needed. We live in an RV, and there is no space for large packages of paper towels, toilet tissue, or bottled water. Maybe we should have gone earlier in the week when pictures of empty shelves started appearing on social media.
But we didn’t. Andy works 10-hour shifts at the hospital. I don’t have transportation while he is at work. We had chosen not to panic. We waited until we needed to shop.
After making two stops – one at a Walmart and the other at a grocery store – we had all the items on our list. Except for the toilet paper.
There are still full rolls in our bathroom. Toilet tissue was on the list because we thought another 4 pack would be a good idea. Typically, we would have waited to replenish our supply. Even though we did not find any, we are not panicking.
We will survive without mass quantities of toilet tissue.
It’s Scary!
Many churches are not holding services in their buildings; those that can are broadcasting services over the internet. Some on Facebook Live, and others through their websites.
Andy and I attended an online service. We needed to hear a calm voice. We needed the reassurance that our pastor could provide. Life.Church Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel reminded us of God’s promise to be with us always. You can watch Church Online here, live.life.church.
Our grandchildren are home from school. Spring breaks are being extended. Playdates with friends canceled. We are concerned about our oldest granddaughter with Type 1 Diabetes. And our daughter with celiac. People with autoimmune diseases must be more cautious than others.
I am checking in with my family more than normal. We are currently in Arizona, and they are in Missouri. My siblings and I are in our 60’s. Not all of us can work from home. We must go out.
It’s Surreal!
The resort where we are staying was near capacity early last week. On March 12th, the office announced that, due to the virus, all activities were canceled for the remainder of the month.
Over the weekend, there was a mass exodus. As I walked around this morning, I saw more people packing up their sites and getting ready to go. Not just the RVs – people in the park models are leaving as well.
My new Canadian friends are heading for the border, knowing that a 14-day self-quarantine awaits them.
Self-quarantining has become a thing.
It’s in His Hands
I can rely on my wits and common sense to stay safe and avoid close contact with others. I will continue to use soap and hand sanitizer to kill germs. I can turn off the news and take a break from the latest update on COVID-19.
And I can place my trust in God and remain calm. No matter what, I will turn to Him and pray. No matter what, I will continue to love my Lord and my fellow humans. I will not give in to fear and panic. I choose calm.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NLT
If you are choosing calm, let me know in the comments. This is a time for people to share feelings and support each other.
