I’m remembering some good times with friends and family members, times spent having lunch in restaurants, an evening enjoying a sold-out Christian music concert, our usual Sunday morning church attendance, a visit to the First Graders. All of these happened just days ago and prior to Ohio’s schools closing and all attention turning to how to avoid getting and spreading the coronavirus.
Lunch with my sisters, my brother, and some cousins on March 6
With confirmed cases in our state, even in our county, my husband and I kept scheduled appointments at the Cleveland Clinic on Friday, meeting with four world-class doctors, having high tech tests performed, noticing Clinic police screening for signs of the virus, being reassured that Dave, who has recovered from a January 26 stroke, does not seem likely to suffer another and that I have no signs of recurring spinal tumors. God is good and in control.
On this Sunday morning, our family decided to stay home from church, using “an abundance of caution,” watching streamed services on-line instead. I sang along to Amazing Grace, Our God, and Who You Say I Am. Pastor Jerry encouraged us to find ways to reach out to neighbors and friends while we are unable to gather together as usual. No more lunches out, as Ohio’s restaurants will cease seating and serving tonight. Few events remain on anyone’s calendar, there is talk of working from home, Disney parks are closed, grocery shelves are empty, sporting events large and small are cancelled.
Life is changing quickly and we need to be informed to get through this threat together. Within our family, we update each other about the latest cancellation or case of Covid-19. This morning I made a statement about not wanting to DWELL on this all day today. As the word DWELL came out of my mouth, the words from Psalm 91:1 came came into my head:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
The King James Version of the Bible reads:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
One definition of the word dwell is “think, speak, or write at length about (a particular subject, especially one that is a source of unhappiness, anxiety, or dissatisfaction).” That describes the kind of obsessing that will threaten our sense of well-being. The anecdote, I believe, is to develop and then to DWELL IN an attitude of gratitude. These are challenging days. We will need to be intentional to focus on the goodness of God and to be thankful. We will need to pray for the sick, ask God to direct our thoughts and actions, dwell in confidence that He is on the throne, be patient.
And wash our hands.