When COVID first hit, it took some time for me to grasp that I would need to alter my life in many ways. I did not know I would have to deal with a “plague of biblical proportions.” For a long time, there were no trips to get my hair cut, no Fourth of July as I knew it, no birthday parties, no church as usual, and few friends to spend time with (I am retired). I often felt bored and lonely
There also were no vacations, Writer’s Conferences, or times to mentor men to help them grow in their faith.
Zoom helped me reach out to some extent, but it never was as good as being with them.
I did keep the hope alive for a long time in 2020 that we could still have a family reunion at Yellowstone National Park. But often the parts of the park we liked weren’t open.
But we did finally go. We went by car because we felt it was safer than by air to avoid COVID. It was a great time both going to and coming back from Wyoming. It was one of the best times of the year. There was white water river rafting, sights that awed us, and good times with brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and in-laws.
Nature gave a lift to my spirit in the springs of 2020 and 2021 and at other times of the year. This brought some joy to my life. Also, I often took a drive in the car to lift my mood. I felt less lonely as I saw people going about their lives.
I often looked to God to feel safe and to not be so lonely. I also told the Lord “Thank you” often for my wife being in my life to bring some human warmth to me in the sad and empty days I had to face.
I think I felt more fear than most since the start of the pandemic due to being over seventy and having pre-existing conditions. Many were dying who had my characteristics.
Getting the vaccines gave a great boost to my confidence and peace of mind.
I often asked God for his safe path as I tried to be wise about the risks I took to be out in the world. I grew in my trust in God to keep me safe. So far, I have not had COVID.
I also felt fear due to riots, chaos with the elections, lockdowns, and bad health news in the media. These fears often drove me to my knees to pray to gain some peace.
God has been a rock in a scary world. He has been a place to go to in order to feel safe, as the Bible says, “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety” (Psalm 91:2, NLT). When the usual things I would rely on to meet my needs were not there, like friends and going out and doing things, I would experience God’s help to get me through the day. My focus grew to only want to do what his will was, in his power, and for his glory.
The verse I most clung to during this time was in Isaiah, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NAS). I still lean on this promise of his as I face the uncertain times ahead and the COVID threat that never seems to end.
Journey into Lightl 