I have appreciated being with my grandchildren over the last few weeks as restrictions are lifting. They are part of my “pod bubble.” I am holding Avery, who turns one on August 1 and with Alex now 8, and Teela, who is now 12. I am learning to appreciate the small things in life, like a good cup of coffee with Murray first thing in the morning, warm days of summer (when it is not windy), and time with my family. Memories of being with my grandchildren are treasures to cherish and to be grateful for always.
I will continue in this post, sharing a few nuggets that inspired me this week.
Nugget One: I came across this article today from Crossway, on how to pray for your children (grandchildren) this summer. There are a few thoughts I never thought of praying, click here to read.
Nugget Two: At the beginning of the pandemic, The New York Times offered free email updates from their news feeds. I have enjoyed reading the daily briefs that come into my inbox. Last week, a post came titled, The Five Rules of the Pandemic, by the Well editor, Tara Parker-Pope.
I have decided to keep these in my journal so I can review them often as the restrictions ease up. The following are the five points paraphrased and abbreviated, but if you would like to read the full article, click here.
1. Track the health status of your area. It is good to know the percentage of positive tests in your local community. According to Pope, when the rate of cases is below 5 percent within two weeks, there is most likely proper testing to keep the spread of the virus under control.
2. Continue to limit your connections. Be consistent with who you are interacting with regularly. Choose your “pod bubble” of people, two or three other households who agree to take precautions for safety.
3. Pay attention to your exposure. Pope writes, to think of your activities as items on a budget: You will have to make trade-offs, balancing higher-risk events and interactions, like a dinner party or a haircut, with lower-risk ones, like grocery shopping.
4. Limit your time at riskier activities. When considering your outings, be aware of these things: How much open space is there, how many people will be attending, and how much time will you be involved. It is wise to keep indoor events under an hour and to have on a mask during close conversations or singing.
5. Be aware and keep up your safety habits. Pope writes that the trusted advice she has heard still applies as we move out and socialize more: Wash your hands often, practice social distancing, and be extra cautious if you or someone you know in your “pod bubble” are at a higher risk.
Nugget Three: During this time, of walking through change that a pandemic has offered, I find these words fitting: Be Brave and Courageous. During the past week, Psalm 27:14 has been my prayer: “Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Spend time in prayer when anxious thoughts try to take over. God is faithful to bring peace when we turn to Him and wait.
My prayer for you today is that you will take time to appreciate the little things in life that we can take for granted, like spending time with those we love, especially children and the elderly. For we never know what tomorrow may bring.
Blessings and stay safe,
Robin
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