COVID-19 Chronicles: A Time of Uncertainty

Wow. I just received news that I will not be returning to work as an educational assistant for the rest of the school year. I am told to stay in my home, only have gatherings of 5 people, and only go out to get essential items. When I do go out, all the restaurant parking lots are empty. There is tape on the floor in every store to ensure people stay six feet apart. The stores are completely out of paper goods and cleaning supplies. National Parks are closed. All college courses are online. The only thing people can talk about is this thing called the coronavirus. It’s all over the news and social media. Children are not going to school. People are dying. It’s like we’re living in some sort of apocalypse movie. This little microscopic virus is wreaking havoc on the entire world. It’s a weird time, to say the least.

At first, I was like, okay, sweet. Extra time at home, I don’t have to wake up before sunrise for the next two weeks, I can clean and craft to my heart's content. Now that my job is essentially over, and my two month summer break has turned into a four month summer break, I feel unsettled. I feel strange. Change is not easy for me to process. Routine, schedules, and productivity are essential to my mental health. The unexpected break was gladly received, because it was a break. But the end of this situation seems much, much further away. At times it seems unending. I now have to figure out my life anew. I have to figure out a routine to get into, because I will mentally break without one (it has happened to me before). I enjoy working and doing something meaningful, like assisting children’s education to make them better, smarter people. For the next four months, that is gone.

I have mixed feelings. This allows me to change things in my life that have been slacking with my new, more involved job. I can now get back into the habit of studying God’s Word and praying daily. I can tackle writing projects I have had in my head for months. I can hone in on skills like cross stitch and embroidery. I can play Animal Crossing. I can keep my house clean. I can facetime friends without trying to work around a busy schedule. I can write at-home workouts and work on those habits as well. I can get ahead in my classes and finish them early. It is a new normal, and I will adjust. Right now my heart and mind are reeling with the change.

Still, I am thankful. Thankful that God is in control and that I can breathe out my anxiety and breathe in His peace. I never thought I’d live through a time like this, when the whole world is at a stand still as we watch these events unfold. I cannot imagine the effects this situation would have on my heart and mind if the Holy Spirit was not living in me, reminding me that I am a child of the all-powerful King. God knew this virus was going to be unleashed on our world. He knew the chaos it would unleash. He knew the troubles each and everyone of us would face because of it. He was not surprised or shocked. Instead, He calls to us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Instead of sitting in our homes, letting our hearts flood with anxiety and fear, we can remember that we have a God who does not leave us alone in trials. We have a God that left us with His words, full of peace, hope, and truth. We have a God who has already overcome this world wide pandemic, we have a God who gives us PEACE. We have a God who promises that He will work ALL things together for good to them that love Him. That includes this crazy, uncertain time.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

If you are reading this today, and you do not have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, find it. Get on your knees in your home, turn your heart to the One who gave His life to give you peace and eternity. Repent of your sin, trust in Jesus who died on the cross for YOU. Receive life and peace today, it will carry through to the end.