“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
The offered Covid-19 impact models predict different outcomes of our current situation. Our Governor, Andrew Cuomo and his team report that we are plateauing, hence, that noticeably less people are getting infected. Others agree that NY was at the maximum outbreak point but fear that there might be a second wave of this virus coming.
However, if you are not in the category of the essential work force, you might be eager to move on. Some of us may feel as though we have been home for way too long. Some of us have the urge to get out and “do” things, get back to our normal routines and even though we know that this will not happen right away, we really want to have our old lives back. We want all the wonderful things we had before this Pandemic outbreak.
Last summer, I participated in a 10 day silent meditation practice. Every morning at 4 am the bell rang and off I went to meditate. Meditating was all I did during these 10 days. For thoses who meditate, you are familiar with the challenges when meditating. The one thing that always interferes is our mind. Our minds are looking for everything else to focus on besides being still and quiet.
However, many great teachers taught us to observe our thoughts and just let them go. It is best to acknowledge these things, to observe them and most of all, to note that after a while they will subside. I like to refer to a mosquito bite as an example. If you allow yourself to just feel the itch and you don’t react and scratch the bite, it will go away by itself. This is a “Life Lesson.”
My Grandmother always said: “After the Rain the Sun will shine again.” Everything has a beginning and an end. The common ground of both, my Grandmother’s saying and the meditation teacher’s lesson, is that one ONLY has to observe. There is no question that this is an uncomfortable time and for many of us a very painful experience. Nevertheless, the good thing is that it is manageable, as we can adapt to it. We are all wanting to scratch that itch. Our bodies respond to this social distancing with an urge to react. However, in this current situation, we must not react and break our social distancing habits.
The Good News is that just like everything else, this Covid-19 pandemic will dissipate.
There is a bright light shining at the end of the tunnel and honestly just like all of you, I am looking forward to the time when this social distancing is over and we can meet again at our wonderful sacred space at Grace.
All I ask you to do for now, is not to react to your urge trying to get your “normal” life back. This is a critical time of getting ahead of this crisis. Protect your loved ones. But also, protect all essential workers. They are the true heroes in this crisis.
For all of us “non-essential workers” and retirees Social distancing is paramount!
My Prayer of the Day:
For all that are infected and/or have family members that have Covid-19 I pray that God provides comfort and strength and that he walks with you and your loved ones during this time of fear and trial. May God, the miracle worker, touch all that are ill and bestow upon them the loving kindness and mercy, and heal them with all His power and might.
May all that have lost family members or friends to this crisis find comfort in God’s love. May the one that created us care for HIS people that are weeping and grieving. May healing come to you in this time of crisis and provide you with new strength, encouragement, and the peace that surpasses all our understanding. Amen.
I am praying that God protects you and your family and keeps you healthy and safe.
Fr. Walter+
Stay Healthy - Stay Home - you could save lives!
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