For several weeks, I have been trying to come up with something worthwhile about my quarantine experience, and to date, I have failed. Basically, I sleep in, get up, do my job, work out, and then try to study SOMETHING. Working on Spanish and reintroducing myself to American Sign Language are at the top of the list of my studying. For workouts, I am bike riding or doing martial arts, usually with my son (who, at seven years old, is a match for me; I’m not good). The details of the above bore ME, so I would not subject you to such things.
As I write this on Easter Sunday, a new thought did hit me, and I wanted to share it. I am Christian by faith; I was raised Catholic but have some issues with Catholicism. I tried to address them, but the Pope hasn’t returned my calls I branched out and looked at some other Christian denominations. Currently, I attend a United Methodist Church, which I enjoy. Not only do I get my spiritual fix, but I am allowed to play drums during the service. This allows me to give back to God with the added bonus of annoying the older members of the congregation.
Anyway, once upon a time, Christians were persecuted and had to meet secretly in small groups to worship; they prayed alone, in their homes, with their families. Then, mankind got smart (well, some parts of the world, anyway), and in many nations Christianity and indeed all faiths were allowed to worship as they see fit, provided they don’t hurt anyone in the process (note that last part, Jihadists!). People were allowed to gather in churches to worship together, and life moved forward.
Enter the big, bad Corona virus (imagine scary music). Today, for Easter Sunday, we were not allowed to go to church. We had to worship in small groups, most likely just with our families. Yes, we could use technology to see others, but we were in essence forbidden from gathering for our faith practice by the government (which I am TOTALLY okay with, given the circumstances).
I could get all “the more things change…” at this point, but I won’t. Instead, I will just point out that this was a subtle reminder to me of what people many, many years ago had to do in order to practice their faith. Accept the circumstances. Make an effort. Stay connected to your community as best you can.
These are tough times, no doubt. However, there is GOOD to be seen out there. Health care workers and first responders are getting their due. Nations that haven’t gotten along in years are sharing research and data and equipment and are trying to work together. Neighbors are checking on each other and helping their communities.
Learn from this, find some silver linings, and do your part. This will pass. Stay well.
