Well, as we’ve all pretty much surmised by now, this pandemic isn’t going away any time soon. What a situation we find ourselves in. Locked in, locked out, quarantined, masked, sequestered, and limited, in so many of the simple things we took for granted, for so long. Who would have ever imagined that we would live to experience this surreal world where the normal handshake, hug or kiss in greeting has become dangerous to our health. How we have had to revamp our lives and routines to protect ourselves and others from this devastating unseen assailant. It is easy to fight what one sees one’s opponent. So much more difficult, to fight an unpredictable enemy that is not visible, besides the mass amount of misinformation being passed around. One hardly knows what or to whom to listen. However, I believe that we can safely trust the poor medical personnel on the front lines fighting this disease with their very lives. One can believe their exhaustion, frustration and helplessness. We have to continue to pray for these fighting to save our lives, and for those researching a cure. Having worked in hospitals as a chaplain, I can tell you that no one ever was sorry to have to protect oneself and put all security measures in place against virulent, deadly diseases. Having sat with many in Emergency rooms waiting on the fate of a loved one in an accident or sudden tragedy, I have heard many regrets and much sorrow voiced only as: “If only I had…”, “I should have been more careful…”, “I could have taken more precaution…”. You will never be sorry for having been too careful, and too cautious. But I can tell you from the stories many shared with me in Emergency of the grief, regret and ‘too late now’ hopelessness of those who didn’t heed caution and recklessly defied good advice. So, if are lifestyles are currently being limited…so what! My, my…poor us. So used to comfort and our own way! So difficult to change our routines and habits. So inflexible. How we have discovered these limiting traits in ourselves. Maybe God wants us to see something about ourselves, our society and our addiction to comfort and satisfying self. Could there be something that we need to learn about ourselves and our lifestyles during this pandemic? What have I learned? I’ve come to realize that I don’t need as much as I thought I did…toilet paper, food, outings. It has also become clear to me what I do need…regular exercise, healthy food, fun times, good conversation. I’ve also been reminded how precious and fragile life is…and how suddenly it can change…and that God and God’s promises are the only things that do not change. That we can fully put our trust in our loving God and caring Savior Jesus. Perhaps you have also discovered some things about yourself and your life during this time. How are you coping? Please send them to our newsletter to share with others. It just may encourage and help that soul who is struggling.

Rev. Yvonne Miloyevich

ffchudson@yahoo.com