Stay at Home

A Journal During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Reflections and Inspiration from Maple Grove
March 29, 2020


We just finished our second week of "social distancing" and "sheltering-in-place" during this coronavirus pandemic.  We have been given a new term to add to the now familiar ones. Our governor has issued a "stay-at-home" order for our county in Pennsylvania.  We are stay-at-home kind of people anyway, so it doesn't really change our day-to-day routines much, but we really feel the difference on the weekends.  We so miss our family Sunday gatherings at Maple Grove, and we also miss gathering with our church family for worship and fellowship. The uncertainty of how much longer we will be confined or how extensive the outcome will be weighs over our country and the world like a dark cloud. We ourselves are fine, but we feel concern and compassion for those who are suffering or in harm's way.  It truly is a blessing that the timing of this stay-at-home order is in the Spring when we can enjoy the warmth and freshness of the outdoors.


This past week we took advantage of some nice weather to welcome back our fine feathered friends.  We set out the wren houses around the garden area.  The wrens are our friends as they eat the harmful, unwanted insects that can plague the garden.  We also set out the bird feeders.  Bird watching has become a welcome form of entertainment for us as we try to identify the many different breeds we see: Robins, Black Birds, Morning Doves, Blue Jays and Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Sparrows, Wrens, Nuthatches, Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbirds Finches and Tanagers.

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sew nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of  life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' for the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:26-33).


The grass is turning green and we'll soon be mowing, so we walked around our property and picked up branches and sticks.  We also took advantage of the warm weather to clean out the flower beds.  They are ready to receive mulch.  It has been good for us to be outside and keeping busy, but we continue to think about those who are having a more difficult time.  I volunteered to coordinate Telecare Ministry for our church members who live alone.  Life can feel lonely for them to begin with, but especially now during a stay-at-home order. Loneliness during isolation can lead to deep depression.  We have been making a lot of calls this week to check on them and visit on the phone.  

One of our older members whom I called told me this is the nature of the world we live in . . . there have always been crises and there always will be.  She said she is old enough to remember when you wouldn't receive news for weeks or even months after the fact.  Now we hear it minute by minute. She said she didn't know which is worse.  She also said she doesn't feel anxious or afraid, that as a Christian she believes and trusts there is bright future ahead when we will be eternally at home with Christ.  I called to encourage her, but she truly was the encourager.  What a blessing the Christian community is.

I normally enjoy Christian fellowship among a group of women from our church who get together twice a month to sew dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World.  These dresses are sent to clothe girls in poverty stricken areas around the globe.  They not only give them dignity, but also help to protect them from predators who may determine that they are being looked after. We aren't able to get together now, but we sew individually at home.  During this crisis, in addition to sewing dresses, we are also sewing face masks for the local nursing homes.  

While we are staying at home and unable to physically go to church, we have set up a "family altar" where we can focus on the presence of Christ and join our hearts in prayer.  We've been viewing devotions and worship services that our pastors stream online; we listen to daily Bible readings together; and we pray for those who are suffering or grieving, for world leaders and dedicated people who are serving on the front line of medical, emergency, and law enforcement.  This really is a challenging time, more so for some than for others. May God keep you safe and healthy and provide for all your needs.

Lord God, we take comfort in knowing that you are just and merciful, and that all things are in your hands. Forgive us for being afraid and not trusting you to love and care for us no matter what happens.  We give you thanks for sending your son, Jesus, into this world to offer us forgiveness and an eternal home with you. Help us to be strong and to seek ways to look after the needs of others, telling them of your great mercy and love.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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