For the past week, I’ve been the only one working in the library, and it’s quiet. Other than the HVAC unit kicking on or the odd phone call, it’s silent. On a typical day, it’s rare for me to close my office door, so there’s always a hum of activity in the background. Last week, I could tell you the day of the week by the sound of the voices floating to my office from the front desk. This morning, I had to think twice about whether it was Thursday or Friday.
The patterns of my life have shifted, and it’s jarred me. I don’t think it will be possible for everything to ever return to as it was before the pandemic, and that might be a good thing. I’ve focused on the scripture, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. As I mentally say this verse, I can think of many things for which to be thankful.
I will never again take for granted, a typical workday. I’ll appreciate visiting the grocery with stocked shelves, fearless of walking too close to another shopper. I’ve discovered I love and miss all the library patrons, even a couple of the grumpy ones who complain every time they visit.
Today I’m lifting prayers of thanks for my community and my country and all the heroes serving: grocery store clerks, attendants at the gas station, postal workers, pharmacy workers, police, the national guard, farmers, and especially health care workers.
Pandemic or no pandemic, we are all terminal. I believe when the church doors open again, many will fill the pews and sing praise songs. Perhaps, many lost souls will repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as Lord of their life. God’s proven time, and again He can take any tragedy and turn it to His good.
During this period of isolation, Jesus is removing scales from my eyes, and I’m seeing a clearer picture as to how richly God’s blessed me with the beautiful background music of a normal day filled chatter, laughter, and friendship.
I sit here in the silence of the library, surrounded by all my favorite books, and I realize the stories are not what I love most about this place; it’s the people who walk through the doors. I never realized a beautiful melody filled the air around me. It’s paused, and I’m yearning for each missing voice, each single and unique note, that makes up the background music of my life.
What have you discovered during your time in isolation? Until we meet again, may God protect you and those you love. Blessings.
Beautiful! Amen!
Thank you, Janet. Take care. May God bless and protect you and those you love. Hugs.
Lovely thoughts, Shelia. I work in isolation mist of the time so my days aren’t a lot different except for missing that marker day Sunday to keep me straight on what day of the week it is. I do miss my son and grandchildren popping by for a visit and I worry about all those missing their paused jobs. Most people don’t realize the number of self employed people in our towns. I’m also feeling sad for the high school seniors missing out on some of the best times of their school careers. But it is spring and a beautiful time rejoice in the beauty of our natural world.
Hi Ann, Thanks for stopping by. I miss my grandchildren too. Wren is visiting the farm tomorrow with my son, but they will keep their distance. I am so thankful I’m able to continue working. So many are suffering financial losses and depression. Thank goodness we’ve had a couple of days of sunshine. Take care and may God bless you and keep you and yours safe.
Beautifully written Sheila! I miss our lunches and chats. Do you realize how long it has been now? Since way before Christmas, if I remember correctly. I, too, believe that life will never be the same, and that sometimes leads me down a path of fear. However, I am also keenly aware of and so much more thankful for many things I had previously taken for granted. Today, I thank God that friendships do not have to be fractured by time or distance and that we live in an age of technology that helps us all keep in touch.
I wish we could sit down and chat but I’m so thankful for the electronic communication. This can be a time of healing for many, a time for remembering God is in control, and our only hope is Jesus. I think many will come to claim Jesus as Lord of their life during this time. Keep writing and doing the good work you are doing. Hugs and love.
Thank you. I hope/pray that this brings this nation back to our Father.
So do I Kay. I read Daniel this morning and as I read chapter nine aloud, I replaced “Jerusalem” for “America.” Praying for our country and our leaders.
Hey Shelia, don’t forget the sanitation workers. I’ve only heard them mentioned once, but they are out there, putting their lives at risk, too, picking up our trash. No one has any way of knowing what they are exposed to on a good day. Now with such a long incubation period, they are really at risk.
I agree with you; everything will change. With each big event we lose a little more of our innocence.
Thanks for the reminder Bobbie. Yes, I appreciate all the sanitation workers. They are heroes too, for sure. Take care.
Beautiful Shelia and thank you so much for sharing. I think so many of us will see and appreciate our life and what we have so much more. Prayers that GOD will bring his sheep back in the fold.
Thank you, Ann for your kind comments. Yes. I too am praying for all the lost sheep to discover His love and the peace that surpasses all understanding.