Day 7 word prompt-mystery
We spent the weekend with our lake neighbors in sunny Florida. They read my blog and when she asked me what the next word was going to be in the challenge I said 'mystery'. We both kind of laughed and she said 'I guess you're going to write about the Coronavirus, right?'
I might mention it.
Are we allowed to talk about anything else right now?
Our friends bought a beautiful home overlooking the Intracoastal and we made plans a while back to spend a long weekend with them. Initially we were going to fly, but decided instead to drive and do our best to keep away from crowds.
Let me just tell you I don't think Floridians (or maybe it's all those snowbirds?) got that message about social distancing. There were throngs of people everywhere you looked, but thankfully the beach is big and the ocean wide. For the most part it felt like we were able to keep a healthy distance.
Hubs and I like a good road trip and we passed the hours and miles listening to an audio book we both really enjoyed-Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Lots of names to keep straight so it was a good book to listen to as opposed to read.
We arrived to gorgeous weather and spent the weekend relaxing at the beach or out on the water. There was some fishing-
Boating-
Lots of hand washing and catching up on life.
We ate one lunch and two dinners in restaurants, but since our host loves to cook the rest of our meals were prepared at home. Nothing was closed and it was a little disconcerting to see how casual people were about mingling.
We steered clear of the crowds which is what hubs and I like to do anyway when we're at the beach, so it didn't feel that much different than other ocean holidays we've taken.
Except in my mind it was.
What are the stores like at home? Will the governor close schools and what will that look like for my teacher daughter? What in the world is going on with the financial markets and why are people stockpiling toilet paper?
Did I have the Coronavirus in November when I had that weirdly worst cough I've ever had without all the flu symptoms? Covid-19 wasn't a thing in South Korea, or even China yet, but could it have been some form of the virus?
Am I paranoid?
Not paranoid enough?
Did I wash my hands after we left the restaurant?
Should I call and cancel my hair appointment?
When will things settle down? How long will we need to stick close to home? When will all this uncertainty about what's safe and unsafe end?
It's a mystery.
I know we're lucky. We're currently in good health. We have food in our frig and gas in our cars and people we love hunkering down with us. Not everyone can say the same.
I think about the lonely. Those already teetering on the edge of depression. Elderly people spending too much time alone in their homes.
The high school senior missing her prom, the championship game, a much anticipated class trip-play-concert. College students who won't get to walk the walk to Pomp and Circumstance.
Moms at home now responsible for filling their child's day with some semblance of normality in a completely abnormal situation, and parents who work and don't know what to do about kids at home needing instruction or at the very least supervision.
The sick and the fearful and people everywhere navigating so very many disappointments of every shape and size.
Unease oozes out of every news feed, television screen, and overheard conversation.
So much unknown.
And so much not.
Here's something that's not a mystery-
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3
In this age of information overload I go back to the truest words I know...
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust...' Psalm 91:1-2
It’s not those of us who live here. The spring break beach photos are making me quite upset. Finally the governor set some group limits at the beach (10 max ), closed bars and limited capacity at restaurants. In my neighborhood and city, everything is canceled and we are social distancing to protect our elderly neighbors. And all those groups at the beach - they are flying home all over the country ��
ReplyDeleteThank you, God, for promising to never leave us.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts on all of this echo mine. I put that same verse on my Instagram post, and it’s what I am holding on to. I feel sick for those who are cancelling weddings, and I’ve even heard of some having to have a virtual funerals. Some have already lost jobs or are losing money every day. And that’s not even touching those who’ve come down sick with this. Praying might be all we are able to do (unless we see other situations where we can help) but it is certainly the most powerful. God is on His throne, and we CAN count on Him.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Joyce. I love how you captured Florida scenes with your camera. But more than that, you put words to what so many of us are thinking and struggling to make sense of. It is a mystery, as you said.
ReplyDeleteSharing words of scripture is a comfort to your readers, certainly me. Thank you.
You have such a way with words..always calming. I’ve been hesitant to write on my blog about all of this but now you’ve given me inspiration. My kids have even been asking-When are you going to write about this in our diary?? We want it all documented. So? I guess I have homework today!
ReplyDeleteGreat Florida pics! Fish in the air? Hard to capture with so much motion!!!
Stay safe!
Wonderful words of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteI have a sign on a shelf in the living room that says "Relax, God is in control." I keep reminding myself of that. Glad you had a good vacation and hope you both stay healthy and safe up there!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics Joyce and glad you managed to have a good break away despite the current uncertainties. We're at the stage where more and more restrictions are being imposed and clearly it's going to get worse before it will get better. Stay safe.
ReplyDelete