As of this morning, Karl and I, like pretty much everyone else in America, began a bit of a detour on our life path. Yup, we are self-quarantining. We made one last dash to the store this morning, to get eggs and potatoes and to stare longingly at the empty TP aisle, then to the home improvement stores to stock up on the really important stuff: some shelving boards and some waterproof paint. Now, we are home for the duration. We have each other, we have plenty to eat, we have a warm, comfortable home, and we have a God who loves us. (And so far, we are healthy!)
The other thing we have is a list. Each. They are lists of all the things that we can accomplish and do during this ultimate and intimate time of ‘sheltering-in-place’. Honestly, the home body in me is doing a little dance in my head at the thought of not going out and having time to be still and do what I want without thinking, I should….
Before we made our lists, we talked about the danger of cutting ourselves off from the outside world with little to no contact except that which is provided by the internet and TV. We considered the pitfalls of just laying around reading or binge watching TV or letting ourselves get restless and bored. (Not the least of which was another five pounds.) We talked about how dangerous marinating in the news and worrying about infections and recessions and the potential of feeling victimized, or angry, or helpless. So, we made lists.
Mine is pretty long. It’s filled with craft and sewing projects, some studying I want to do, and reaching out to people I don’t make time for during my ‘regular life’. Here’s my hope: by being forced onto this detour – slowed down from our normal pace and conscripted to the perception of more time on our hands, I hope we learn something. All of us. Learn about priorities and choosing carefully, and figuring out ways to love others.
