#togetherapart

Thursday, March 12th, I made my usual biweekly trip to the grocery store. We didn’t need much, so I was glad the bill was lower than usual. And then, suddenly, our part of the world changed. By Friday evening, I was concerned that we might not have enough to last us for two weeks if we were told to shelter in place. Within twenty-four hours, the reality of what so many were already dealing with became our reality. We were living in what felt like a sci-fi novel.

Our youngest is a medical resident in Washington state. She told us a while back to prepare ourselves and not panic because she would be exposed and very likely get COVID-19. Our middle one is a home health physical therapist. Many of his patients are in our most at-risk population. He also has a young family to protect. He began making contingency plans in the event that he was exposed. Our oldest soon went under a state-wide shelter in place order in North Carolina and she began preparing to teach her high school students from home. She’s good at tech and was already prepared for this, but this will still be a challenge for both her and her students.

Kent’s office instructed half their employees to work from home, including those with children, and told the rest to practice #socialdistancing for the time being. This quickly changed to encouraging all employees work from home if possible. By his own admission, he’s much more productive at the office, so he’s now challenged with slower internet speed and numerous distractions.

As for me, I’ll be honest. I’m an introvert by nature. I enjoy conversation and connection, but I crave alone time to recharge and to work. These days, I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on writing and I feel better if I’m using up energy by doing physical work around the house. My morning run helps and Kent and I walk in the evenings. I’m learning I need a news update each day to stay informed (but only a short one), a little social media to keep up with friends and provide humor and encouragement, and a routine. I’m a creature of habit and routine helps me stay calm.

But most importantly of all, I’m a Christ-follower. Consistent study of God’s Word is part of who I am and prayer is a constant conversation for me with my Creator. Because of these two things, I have a knowledge and the assurance that even through the worst of situations, I am not alone. He goes before, beside, and behind me as He will for anyone who chooses to follow Him.

But I am human. I still deal with fear. I talk with my children, on the front lines in various ways, and I have enough of a medical background to understand some of the implications of this disease. Because of that, it’s been tough to make myself sit down and write. What could I possibly have to say that would be worth taking the time to read? So many people out there know so much more than me. So, I will just offer a few random thoughts that have surfaced as we go through these days of COVID-19.

• I’ve noticed that people on the street are more apt to smile, make eye-contact, and wave at one another as of late.
• Over-the-fence conversations between neighbors have become more common.
• Now, a couple of weeks in, shoppers are taking what they need and leaving some for others.
• I have met those out in public who scoff at “all the hype,” but for the most part, I see #socialdistancing and looking out for one another.
• Our Sunday #worshipathome brought me to tears yesterday, in a good way, and I felt a sense of koinonia (Christian fellowship) as we came together in spirit online to worship God.
• A forty-five minute Facetime with our daughters a few days ago gave this mom a needed lift. They are far from us in distance but close in heart.
• I’m thankful to be near my son and his family. Their presence and their hugs are healing for my heart.
• Kent and I might drive each other crazy sometimes, but I’m thankful to have him here close by at home during all of this.
• Washing and washing and washing my hands reminds me of my medical technology days, but even then we didn’t wash them quite as much and there was never so much at stake.
• #togetherapart is not about me. It’s about us. All of us.
• I can pray. It calms my soul and gives me strength and confidence that in all of this, God is God and I can trust Him.

So, nothing earth shattering. No breaking news or incredible insights. No great wisdom. Just a simple acknowledgement that we are all part of humanity. We are all the same inside. We are all in this together so let’s be there for each other.

#washyourhands

#socialdistance

#flattenthecurve

#togetherapart

And Thank you so very much to all those out there on the front lines putting themselves between us and this virus every minute of every day.

Be safe. Be well. Be blessed.