While a mindless, invisible enemy stalks all of humanity, here is something to think about. First of all, the chain of errors resulting in the great pandemic of 2019-2020 is long, still being forged, and of purely human making. Thanks are due to honest and dedicated journalists and scientists. Their records of these errors are daily read into history for the learning of future generations. Secondly, even as the crisis intensifies, be assured and comforted. The Holy Spirit is as deeply engaged with the world as ever, wresting good out of evil.
Bishop Lucey Park, Cork, Ireland ~ æssmith photo
Where are you in these perilous times? I hope you are following the sage advice of medical experts and staying at home, as I am. At first, the need for absolute essentials made a trek to the “outside” necessary once a week, but now every ten days or two weeks is enough. Thankfully, my community seems to be diligent about social distancing. Just as important as limiting interaction with others is maintaining daily disciplines, including those of the spirit.
We all need to be flexible about the things we can’t change. When you must stay physically apart for your own wellbeing and that of your neighbours though, daily disciplines come into their own. Now is a good time to establish them, if you haven’t already done so. Structure in dangerous times is what keeps us vital and productive. Here are seven practices to bring comfort to lives turned upside down:
Establish/maintain spiritual disciplines. Enjoy structured prayer and Scripture reading times first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Pray throughout the day whenever you think of it. Take your worries to Jesus in prayer; he lived the human experience and knows your heart and mind. Even if you are angry or frustrated, he will patiently listen and act in ways you may realize only in hindsight.
Maintain daily domestic disciplines: Don’t let everything slide. The pandemic won’t be over any time soon, and structure will keep you energized and motivated. It’s especially important for children, providing security in unsettled times.
Take time for games, music, reading and creativity. Enjoy them together with others, either family at home or with friends online. Make strength training and aerobic exercise part of your day. Minimize time spent alone online, unless it is work-related. Check the news briefly once or twice a day, and then focus on more positive things.
Laugh and sing out loud. Do this alone or with others, at home or online. For a sure-fire jolt of energy, sing hymns, pop songs, opera, country, whatever occurs to you. Do it as loud as you can in front of the mirror and I dare you not to laugh.
Breathe deeply, pray, reflect, meditate, be grateful. How easy it is to lose the habit of solitude, but how restful and refreshing it is to embrace it. How much of what bothers you is a “first world problem” or a mere inconvenience? Look for new blessings each day.
Get fresh air so long as you maintain social distance. If going outside isn’t an option, sit by an open window and breathe deeply. A positive side effect of the pandemic is the drastic reduction in pollution, especially in urban areas.
Most of all, love, reach out, be kind. The coronavirus is an equal opportunity attack organism. No matter how tough your life seems to you now, there is probably someone else in a worse situation. At least once a day, think of something positive you can do for somebody, then act on it.
Throughout history humans have faced times of great testing. Out of their lives and stories we find comfort, inspiration, triumph, innovation and much more. Through the prophet Isaiah, God spoke to his people saying, “See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.”
Adversity met with courage and determination gives birth to strength, personal and collective growth, and positive changes in the world. In this work you and I are the Spirit’s partners in love.