Proof that Nature continues its normalcy – sandhill cranes flying southward and calling the whole time. Stay calm. Photo by Mary Alice Murphy
First, we should listen to the medical experts who have given us advice on how to weather the health crisis in our country:
• Stay home;
• Social Distancing;
• Stay calm to preserve your immune system; and
• Wash your hands, just like Mom always told you!
I'm finding it fairly easy to stay home. The only times I have to social distance is at the grocery store, where I go as rarely as possible. To stay calm, I breathe deeply, take the dog for regular walks, do my exercises and meditate. Any one or more of these can work for each of you.
If you believe in a Higher Being, Creator, or God, as I call Him, there's another option, which, in my opinion, is much stronger.
If you don't believe, you might as well stop reading now.
I believe that God is always listening to each and every one of us, whether we have faith in Him or not. It certainly tends to moderate my behavior, so I try not to use curse words or say hateful things. (I'm not perfect!)
I believe now is a time when we are most in need of Christian community, This year, unfortunately, will be the first time in the history of our great United States of America, which was built on a belief in Christianity, that we will not be able to come together to celebrate the resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus.
An idea has come to mind that may be able to give us a feeling of Christian community, even if we do it separately in our homes or outside in our yards or on our balconies.
At 2 p.m., this Sunday, Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week for the Roman Catholic church, and every Sunday afternoon until we can return to our preferred church community, PRAY, out loud.
Choose a prayer that resonates with you, sing your favorite hymn that you may remember from childhood, praise God, and remember to let Him know that you want His will to be done.
He will answer, maybe not in the way you expect, but remember that He is all-knowing and will do the best for you, whether it's what you expected or not.
I have actually tried to steel myself that the answer I get may not be the one I think I want.
Be well and stay safe!
Mary Alice Murphy
editor, www.grantcountybeat.com