If you are like me, you may have stopped listening to the news or reading the latest reports about COVID-19. It is all too difficult to assimilate into my mind. This is my first pandemic, so I have no real experience digesting all that I hear so after a bit, I just tune it out. HOWEVER... the report from these two professionals, both age 3.5, caught my attention. Here is what I learned from their report on the reliable news source, Facebook.
My nephew Lincoln, in this picture, is tired of quarantine and is firmly commanding, "Get out of here, Rona!" Reading between the lines, I understood clearly that the best path to take in this pandemic is to take authority. The sickness, isolation, loneliness, social distancing and all the struggles that come with the virus are real and we can't really control those things, but we would do well to take authority over the fear that comes with it. Of course, a healthy respect should keep us safer, but fear will leave us paralyzed. Here's how Lincoln finds ways to not be overwhelmed with fear. He laughs and plays with his amazing big brothers, who take the time for him. He leans into the parents who love him... and does the occasional Facebook post to entertain his Auntie.
My little friend, Zella, in this post is telling her mom, "Cacrona is a human and if we go to his house he will tell us that it is okay to have our friends come over and play." Although her intel is questionable, she is spot on with her strong desire to make sure that life goes on, even if not as she is hoping. Her mother is quick to respond and tell her that Corona is a virus and not a person. I immediately considered how easy it is to see this pandemic as having authority over us telling us what we can and cannot do, but Zella's mom is correct. It is just a virus and we still get to make the decision on how we are to live. Of course there are always limitation with any sickness. But we still determine our reactions and behaviors. Since pandemics occur every 100 years or so, this is likely our only opportunity to experience one. We must not allow it to take control of all things fun, but use it to create all sorts of new fun. That's what happens at Zella's house. Dance parties, room-sized forts, movies and gymnastics with her siblings. Of course she misses her friends, but she has found ways to conquer that pain and laugh her way through it all.
Don't waste this once in a lifetime pandemic by giving it authority over your thoughts. Don't fear it as an uninvited intruder taking away your freedom, your laughter and your fun. You can be sad or mad or filled with questions, but don't let negative feelings find a lot to build their house upon. Let them come and let them go, but give them no authority over your life. Find the good every day. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to see the things we haven't, do the things we couldn't and hear the things we wouldn't have in our pre-pandemic lives.
Hold fast to the truth that no event can ever change.... God loves you and is always with you. Rona nor Cacrona have any authority over that! So live, love and laugh your way through it when you can... and when you can't, find an adorable child to lift your spirits!
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
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