Reflections on the Quarantine

I made some notes in the initial shelter in place and subsequent quarantine. Just some thoughts and observations.

There have been some times of anxiety, but so much more clarity. If I say "we" or "I" just know that these are all thoughts from me alone, but also from what I have observed from others. 

It seems like a lack of social contact makes us more socially aware. Pride goes away, there is a common interest and desire to help and care for others' safety and well being. That could mean staying home, or wearing a mask, or bringing food to medical workers, or just being more neighborly than we might have been. A great example is a neighbor that lost their job due to this hardship. To bridge the gap while waiting this out she reaches out to the neighborhood and offers to sell homemade baked goods. There was an overwhelming response. Outside of quarantine, she would have never shared that. But there is no judgment from anyone. That just tells me that fear of judgment, and the truth that people are judgemental is very real. Vast fundamental change starts with you and me. It is personal before it is ever anything else. 

Families are "forced" to be together. There are no sports for kids to play, or for parents to watch. Yes, there is some TV time and video games but that only fills you up so much. Binging always leaves you empty. So other things get discovered or rediscovered: Picnics, bike rides, walks, catching tadpoles, board games, puzzles, home-cooked meals, a guitar, needlepoint, throwing a ball - not just with your kids but with your spouse, etc, etc. Another thing that is discovered is doing things for yourself. We have had to be a little more self-reliant in this. One example clearly would be housekeeping. We have a housekeeper a day a week because we need help. 4 kids that like to change clothes 4 times a day and that will eat you out of house and home. From cleaning toilets to floors, counters, laundry etc - it's on us. But when you are forced to stay home and have limited distractions you kind of just do what you have to do. When conveniences are lifted we all feel a little more accomplished and less inconvenienced - how is that logical. . . 

In our normal busy lives we can be put out with our kids. Right now it seems that the more we are with our kids the more patience I have. Where is the logic in that....? But it reminds of the wisdom and logic that Jesus taught and exemplified - if you want more, give more away etc. And the quarantine has been a reflection of our true nature and focuses in life. I shamefully look at life before and my impatience with my kids and how their behavior did not fit in with how I was feeling at the moment. How could they ever win. . . The "Patience" can of worms is another topic, I could write a book on it, and it wouldn't be a self-help book. . . 

Cuarenta - Spanish for 40

My mom sent a note that she got from her BSF leader. It spoke of the Latin root of the word quarantine is 40 and how a period of 40 days or years is very significant in the bible.

-The opening of the earth and the rains lasted for 40 days during the flood.

-Moses fled Egypt for 40 years

-40 days Moses stayed on Mt. Sinai to receive the ten commandments

-The Israelites were wandering the desert in exile for 40 years

-Jesus fasted for 40 days (Lent is 40 days and connected to this)

 After each of these events, something significant happened. 

1) The rains stopped, the earths dried, and God made a covenant not to destroy the earth in that manner again

2) Moses fear of capture led him to flee from Egypt. After those 40 years he returned to lead his people out of Egypt. The deliverance from slavery, the Passing Over of the angel of death with a sacrifice of a lamb to guarantee their safety. A tradition celebrated to this day with Jews at Passover. A tradition that Christians celebrate daily in our relationship with Jesus Christ, our passover lamb. Jesus was arrested after the Last Supper where he taught his disciples about communion representing His blood shedding and His body breaking. Did you know that as Jews, they were celebrating Passover dinner that night

3) Fleeing Egypt and being forced to wander the desert, to not have access to the promised land was God's way of restricting access to those that were still complaining, and wishing they could be back in slavery "where at least they had a good meal". That generation needed to pass

4) Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil. He ended that time of fasting with the strength and power to complete the task that was set before Him. Lent is a preparation for Easter. Usually, something is given up, fasted from, so that when you are tempted your focus turns to God, therefore, growing your faith.

These were periods of change or preparation for change. 

Andrew Murray penned this:

"In Times of Trouble Say:

First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows.

Let me say I am here,

(1) By God’s appointment.

(2) In his keeping.

(3) Under His training.

(4) For His time."