Life in the Lockdown

Life is so different these days. I spend my days working at the ministry, which is, thankfully, next door to my home. I go on lots of bike rides on the many country roads surrounding where I live. My trips up north have been very few and far between and I am longing for hikes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We started a photo group of daily challenges that have kept me busy and looking for new and interesting photos as well as revisiting some of the old memories. Most of the shopping places are closed, and I haven’t been visiting Starbucks on the daily. It’s more like every two weeks and I miss the daily chats with the baristas. The libraries are closed, and fortunately I had taken out more than several books so I am working through those. Everything is quieter, slower and more purposeful. I wear gloves anytime I am out in public — especially to pump gas. I carry a big bottle of alcohol and of course my handy Thieves hand purifier is stationed in both cars, my office and apartment. The regular Presidential updates were at first riveting, but I had to back off because they were just too much to digest every day. Trying to stay steady — above the emotions of fear and worry is the key, yet not always easy when you are being undated with rising numbers of infections, death, and every time you cough you think… do I have COVID-19? Missing the daily routines, the interactions — the way I am used to doing life — is an adjustment.

A couple weeks ago, Mom got sick. At first she wasn’t feeling well, but it quickly progressed to the point of her having to get tested and found out a day later that she was indeed positive. Two days later she was in the hospital. NY has been one of the worst areas of the country for COVID and two of her coworkers also were dealing with it. Despite the worry I felt, there has been such an encouraging flow of prayer, positivity, love, and peace from so many people from all over. From the staff and family at Voice, to the churches and friends in upstate NY, to other ministries and friends we have all over the US, it is so cool to be able to share with Mom those prayers and blessings. She has struggled and it has been hard for her, but we believe she is on the upswing. Every day I send her pics of flowers that I take around the property since I can’t send actual flowers yet. She is so appreciative of all the prayers and remains positive and peaceful. She told her friend Sue, “I rest in knowing people are praying. Bob, Josh’s pastor, signs his notes with “In His Grip.” I love that because a grip is so strong and we know God has us right there. He’ll never let us go. Praise the Lord.” Such strength and hope expressed in the midst of uncertainty and pain. 

So yeah, life is different. And that is ok. And it’s going to be different after we get through all this. That’s probably a good thing. We have learned more. We have seen those in hospitals (like Mom) and first responders going so far above by being in daily danger of contracting this, yet pushing themselves for the sake of others. This example of giving and service… wow. I have heard so many stories of kindness and acts of generosity that are heart warming and beautiful. Truly the best of humanity can be seen in times of struggle. 

At the end of the day, I continue to have hope and put my faith in a God who is constant and unchanging. This is how we stay steady in the storm… As Mom said at the beginning, “He will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is set on Him, Because I trust in Him” (Isaiah 26:3).