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| Theresa’s facial expression here captures my feelings towards the future because of the Coronavirus! |
I am sure that many of you like me are looking at all the articles and latest information on the Coronavirus and following the actions that the government or your particular state or country are enacting in order to slow down the spread of the disease. All the unknowns and what-ifs are scary to think about, especially for someone who is a planner, like myself. Where I live, we are fortunate enough to have still had mass available yesterday, and receive Holy Communion. Our kids are definitely noticing the effects of the virus as well. My kids are young enough to where they don’t go to school, but at mass yesterday, they noticed that there was no holy water to bless themselves, and my son was really upset that he couldn’t get one of the bags of books, and couldn’t shake anyone’s hand during the sign of peace.
To be honest, as a mom of three under three, I don’t get out of the house much anyways, so not going anywhere during the day is not that different for me than a regular day. Because of the virus though, people are stocking up on items so that they will not have to make as many trips out in public. Certain items, like toilet tissue, and hand sanitizer and soap (as I am sure you are all aware) are some of the most popular items to stock up on. Unfortunately, baby formula is also one of those popular items. I formula feed my youngest, and yesterday was a little scary because I had a hard time finding formula at the stores. Normally, I bulk order the big formula bins so that it will last us for about a month. When I am down to two bins, (each lasts us about a week), I start to place the next order so I get it on time. Well I realized yesterday that it was time for me to restock, and unfortunately because of the virus, everyone has the same idea. I had a very difficult time finding some that were close by (and also wouldn’t cost me a lot of money for a bin that wouldn’t even last me a week). I am so thankful for my mom and sister, and other family members (we’re spread around the country!) who helped me find some formula that I could pick up yesterday, or found some near them and are going to mail it to me. I have enough to feed my daughter for a little over a month now, and hopefully by the time I need more, the Coronavirus will have slowed down and more supplies will be available.
Now is the time to really try to help our neighbors. I have seen so many posts about how we can help others during this time. Let’s check in with our friends, especially those who we know rely on school lunches, or formula feed, like myself, and make sure they are okay for the next few weeks. It is such a scary thought to not know if you will be able to feed your kids. I have had a new appreciation for those that struggle with hunger on a regular basis, not just because of the effects of the virus but because of their everyday life situations.
As we struggle with all the unknowns of the near future, I can’t help but think that Lent is the perfect time for all of this to happen. Lent is when we recognize Jesus’ suffering in the desert, and preparing for His ultimate sacrifice. He has blessed us this Lent by allowing us to suffer due to the consequences of the virus, either by social isolation, canceled trips, anxiety, or even sick loved ones. Now is the perfect opportunity to embrace what it means to be a Catholic and offer up our struggles to God, and allow our suffering to help us grow closer to Him. It also gives us a great opportunity to help those in need through prayer. Prayer is such a powerful tool that God gives us, and having faith is what is going to get us through these difficult and unknown times right now. (If you want to start praying the Rosary, and also have some virtual interaction with others, @manyhailmarysatatime has the live Rosary every day at 6:45 AM, and usually has a later Rosary time as well).We are very blessed to live in a time where we have the technology to be able to still communicate with others, even if we are trapped in our houses!
While we may not know what the future holds or how else this virus may impact us, know that everyone is in my prayers. Make it a goal to remember your blessings while you are dealing with the effects of the virus, and start a positive chain by posting something happy that won’t raise anxiety in others, or even send someone a message saying that you prayed for them today. Let’s remember to spread happiness during this time of unknown as well.
