COVID-19 Virus

Life is a little surreal right. There is currently a worldwide pandemic of the COVID-19 virus that is easily passed from one person to another. And we, as citizens of the world, are encouraged to stay inside our homes and not to gather in groups of more than ten and when we do gather stay at least six feet away from each other (social distancing) and wash our hands frequently.

Because of these guidelines most restaurants only have carryout or delivery (no eating in the restaurant) and some have closed all together. Theaters (movie and live) have closed. NBA has cancelled the rest of its season, most schools and churches have been closed indefinitely. Disney parks are closed. Museums are closed. We are encouraged to not travel unless absolutely necessary (especially on public transportation). We are also encouraged to work from home if we can. There's a toilet paper and face mask and disinfectant wipe shortage. There are so many things that have been affected, I can't name them all.

And I must admit I've had a lot of feelings over the last few weeks about this situation. Anxiety about what this pandemic is doing to the economy and how will we get out of it once the situation has calmed down. Anxiety about the disease itself and how it'll affect me and my family members and friends and associates. Panic that I might get to a point where I need something from the store (like toilet paper, eventually) and I won't be able to find it. Uncertainty about what the future holds and how long this will last. Boredom when I have no social obligations and I shouldn't run errands or go on field trips. Concern for those who can't work from home but also can't go to work.

Hopefulness that eventually things will calm down. Gratitude for my family and friends who check up on me. Gratitude for the church and the ministering program. Gratitude for being able to work from home. Gratitude for being able to stock up a little bit on food. Gratitude for the people who are still working at grocery stores and pharmacies and hospitals and doctors offices and picking up trash in neighborhoods and truck drivers and restaurant workers (at the restaurants still open) and electricians and water treatment persons and many other people.

Although this is an uncertain time and we don't know what the future holds (I guess we never know what the future holds) let us be prayerful, let us be watchful (for those that might need our help), let us be careful (and social distance ourselves and wash our hands) and let us be hopeful!

And it's okay if we're anxious sometimes too.

Stay safe everyone!

My sister, K, went to the beach last week and this sign was up. I've also seen signs like this at grocery stores etc.