During this time of crisis, we are all finding that our world has suddenly changed. We no longer have our “normal” lives.

We’ve been through things before, hurricanes, 911, death, disease, wildfires, but we have never been through something this big or this personal together.

Whenever there are floods, or wars, or tsunamis, we feel bad, but removed from the real tragedy. We may send money, or even go help with the cleanup, but we can always come home, go back to our jobs, churches, schools, or whatever is our normal.

This is a whole new ball game. We are faced with the unknown. Will we be able to keep our jobs, homes, lifestyle? But a bigger question should be, who do we know that won’t make it through this? That is the question that keeps me awake at night.

I have been watching countless news reports of kids on spring break, basically thumbing their noses at everyone, saying they aren’t going to let some silly pandemic stop them from partying. Who’s to say their parents, or grandparents will survive if they bring back the virus? What about that kid down the street who struggles to breathe without a killer virus?

I’m not here to judge, or drone on and on about what we should or shouldn’t be doing. I’m just hoping we will all take a breath. Pause, tune out all the noise, and focus on what is really important here.

I had to make myself stop looking at the numbers. They alone can be terrifying, but I realized the numbers aren’t true anyway. At least not here in my small corner of the world. The county has asked us to not be tested unless we are ready to be hospitalized. What? So, I can just assume that I have it if I feel sick, and hope I haven’t spread it to vulnerable people?

I realized something else. I was holding my breath. Not literally, but figuratively. I’m not sure why, maybe hoping we would be immune here in the middle of nowhere. That’s not possible though, because we have become world travelers, a global community they call it.

Some good things have come from this. We might just be grateful for all the things we do have. Seriously, when was the last time you were excited to see there was T.P. and milk in the store at the same time? I had a friend who immigrated here from Hungary and going through the grocery store with him was a real trip. He couldn’t get over how much fresh produce we had, or the choices of different products that we all took for granted every day.

I’ve seen groups crop up on Facebook to help others. People are giving things without expecting anything in return. Folks are checking on their elderly neighbors. Customers are saying thank you to the harried store clerks.

Let’s face it, our lives are going to change, whether we want them to or not. We are going to have to learn how to be kind, loving, forgiving and united. Let’s make that the new norm, even if we don’t get everything on our list or not.

What a blessing to be able to live in a time where we are forced to slow down, spend time at home with our families, look each other in the face and be truly thankful for all we still have.

Stay well my friends, send love out there as much as possible and know God is in control, no matter what happens.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Peace, love, and health,

Vickie