Ok world, In the midst of the events unfolding over the past week, I decided I want to share my thoughts and record my emotions about the Coronavirus (Covid-19). This tiny little virus has wreaked havoc on my daily life, closing both my school and church as well as cancelling any social events I had planned over the next several weeks. Even my favorite place on Earth has closed, Walt Disney World, for the remainder of the month.
Today, only staff appeared at my school and we were all frantically trying to wrap our heads around being out of school for 4 weeks or more(!) and creating "remote learning" lessons to keep our kids academically engaged while they are at home. It was almost surreal to walk out of my building with everything I will need to teach reading to my kiddos for at least a month. I am going to miss these young people that I get to interact with every day and that bring smiles and joy to my life. And my co-workers, my confidants, my cohorts, my partners in education...to not see them for several weeks seems not possible...like its a big joke and we will all be back next week, saying 'gotcha'. But sadly this is our new reality.
I ventured out to the stores this weekend with Aaron to stock up on a few extras that Mom didn't pick up. She's in charge of the major shopping and I usually add a few of my own things when I get to the store. But at Walmart, what we found were bare shelves....so many things were out, from toilet paper and cleaning supplies, to bread, cheese, pasta, butter, eggs, and even frozen pizzas. I did find a few boxes of elbow macaroni on an endcap and I stocked up on my Pepsi so I am good there for several weeks. :) Plus some miscellaneous snacks and cheese. Definitely one of my weirder shopping trips for sure.
As we face uncertainty, however I know that everything is going to work out ok in the end. It may not be as easy or as neat as I want it to be. It will probably be tough and messy but that's okay because I know my God has this.
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than
they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. “
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
