My thoughts and heart went out to people as they were facing huge disappointments during this pandemic, isolation, and loneliness. They are experiencing my world and the world of thousands of others who deal with this on a regular basis. We know the pain of constant isolation, loneliness, and disappointment, the lesson of flexibility due to unexpected illness flares.
This pandemic does make those of us who have fragile health even more cut-off as we must avoid contact for preservation of health and, possibly, life. I have felt this severely, having my share of bad days handling it.
And yet... God provides. Today, it hit me as I was counting my blessings. In some ways, I can now be more connected. These little ways are huge blessings!
- Many events that I would have had to miss due to my immune system are now live-streamed or recorded. I can actually be a part of conferences, "concerts," church services, family events, etc. These are all things I would have had to miss!
- My neighbors are out walking. On days when my lungs like the weather, I sit outside to greet them as they walk. I am meeting so many wonderful people! I know this is true of others as well as you see more and more stories of people helping others, reaching out to strangers.
- My work-team (an awesome team, at that!) stays connected via text several times each day to check up on each other, share funny quarantine things, and share the difficult times. I think in some ways, it has drawn our team even closer.
- More concentration on what is truly important has been amazing. Relationships and connection with people through phone calls, messages, FaceTime have become very precious.
- OK... and I no longer stand out with my mask! I blend in! :) Dare I say that I will look normal?! :)
These things are opening up new worlds for me and hundreds of others who have been left out before. It reminds me of the promise in Isaiah 61:3 that God gives beauty for ashes, a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. There is good coming from the pandemic. It seems we are understanding the plight of those around us more. We understand the pain that so many, especially the elderly, go through as we have a glimpse into their lives.
After this is all over, I hope we can learn from these lessons and have a greater understanding of what is truly important. I hope that live-streaming and recordings may continue to be more available for those whose life is isolated.
