Sometimes, you need only a little something good to help you cope with a whole lot of bad.
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been completely worn down by the past year. I’m tired of “all the wipin’ and swipin’”—Daddy’s terminology for sanitizing. I’m tired of staying away from my friends, family, and church. I’m tired of wearing a mask. And talking through a mask. And breathing through a mask. But I know I’ll never be as tired of it as all the healthcare workers and first responders who have to wear head-to-toe protective gear all day long—a far cry from just popping on a mask like I do for trips to Publix or visits with my parents.
I know all of the above—the mask and the distancing and the wipin’ and swipin’—are absolutely necessary right now. But I also know they won’t be forever. Just getting my parents to their first vaccination lifted a huge burden off all of us. I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time, and it was thanks to a dear friend who helped me navigate the red tape and get them an appointment. I’ve been able to “pay it forward” and help other friends and family, which feels good. It always feels good when you can do something about something—when you can take even a tiny positive step forward.
Dave and I also bit the bullet and replaced my 10-year-old computer, which could no longer connect to anything and was so slow that even basic word-processing was a mind-numbing chore. So I thanked it for the good years and packed it away. And now I have one that does what it’s supposed to. I had forgotten what that was like. Before the computer’s arrival, I cleaned the Story Shack, throwing out old, useless files, storing things I’d let pile up on every surface, and vacuuming enough orange cat hair to stuff a mattress. With my office decluttered, my brain is, too, and I’m thinking about all kinds of ideas I want to explore for books.
I guess it’s about perspective.
I can’t take this pandemic becomes we need to be careful just a little while longer.
I'm worried to death about my parents becomes we’re taking positive steps to protect them.
I hate my work environment! becomes replace what isn't working and clean the rest.
Baby steps. But they’re headed in the right direction.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me
and come and pray to me,
and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
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