May 22, 2020
As I look back to April 15, 2020, I recall a headline in the news: “More than two million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed worldwide, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The United States accounts for about 30% of them, with almost 640,000. The disease has killed 137,000 people, including nearly 31,000 in the U.S.”
My mind struggles to comprehend this pandemic and all of the bewilderment that goes along with it. I feel like I’m in a state of hysterical rapture – will I ever do substitute teaching again. Furthermore, I heartbrokenly miss the children. I wonder if I will ever be able to go to my favorite restaurant again. I will wear a mask, so how will I enjoy an appetizing, mouth-watering, delicious meal? I smell the aromas of deep-fried chicken wings, cajun-induced spices, odors of the smoke-producing, sizzling grill, a nice whiff of Earl Campbell hot links and slabs of baby back ribs! I have a desire to go shopping at my choice of department stores. I want to saunter up and down every aisle, taking in the sight of beautiful, eye-pleasing, exquisite gems that I find on sale. I miss the emotion of great delight and happiness caused by the exceptional animation and joy of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren in my life! I want to reach out and experience their touch that imparts a sensation of excitement and laughter that only children can whole-heartedly express in a moment of happiness! It reminds me of when you tickle them affectionately and they laugh so uncontrollably, it causes you to laugh with them. I hope to soon hug and embrace my other family members for just a few seconds while taking in their feelings of “missing me too.” In those few seconds, I sense their loneliness, fear, gaiety, disquietness, and passion all in an embrace.
The Coronavirus pandemic continues, I seek out some background research about the 1918 influenza pandemic. I sat in complete awe of the video that played before my completely-dazed eyes.
As I look at the picture of the water fountain, it evokes thoughts of us still springing forth life, strength, courage, faith, health, hope, motivation, and love. Here’s a prayer I found that will encourage all of us during COVID-19:
A Prayer for Strength When Weary
Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that's true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul… Read more.
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