it's been a while

​It’s been a while!  I haven’t written on my blog lately.  Things have been very busy, and I just haven’t taken the time.  The COVD-19 virus has had a way of slowing things down.  I have a moment to reflect and write once again.  I think to myself, what should I write about?  I really have nothing important to say.  I decided I would just take the advice of something I read on Facebook, take this opportunity to journal about our days.  This is my journal entry from March 22, 2020.
 
It’s been a while!  I started my day with a three mile walk/run through my neighborhood.  Lately when I have done my daily routine, my thoughts have been filled with York preparations.  Today I listened to the sounds of spring – the birds were chirping loudly to each other, singing beautiful songs.  I noticed the wonder of nature and the signs of life all around me.  Flowers are blooming.  The trees are awakening from their winter naps; they are so majestic with all of their white blossoms.  I pass one of my neighbors as she walks her dog on the other side of the street.  We say hello to each other.  She asks me if I am staying safe.  I reply that I am trying.  “How about you,” I ask.  “The same,” she answers.  “Crazy times,” she adds.  I agreed.  We continue on our ways.  Except for the birds, all is quiet in our neighborhood as I complete my walk/run.
 
It’s been a while.  I have only worshipped on-line when I have been sick and couldn’t make it to church.  Even then, I could not listen to my own church because we did not have live streaming.  Today as I prepare for worship (my church has managed to get the live streaming up and running), I get on my computer and find the site.  I notice others beginning to sign on.  It feels good to know that others are joining in worship with me.  I see that one person writes, “I am sad and happy about this.”  I understand.  We are sad that we cannot be together in person to share in our love for the Lord and for each other.  We are happy that we can still find a way to worship, even if it is not under the best of conditions.  I listen to the music of praise; it touches my heart.  I hear the message and take part in the liturgy.  God has blessed me with the opportunity to worship with my congregation and others.
 
It’s been a while.  York has been moving forward for months.  Now I contemplate how to adjust and start again.  With social distancing – Uri’s Journey cannot continue.  So I decide on a new course – Journey of Love.  Journey of Love provides young children with Bible stories and activities they can do at home.  So I work on the next post for Journey of Love.  Though I know that God has provided me with an opportunity to “be still”, and I know that my faith should keep me from worrying.   I can’t help but think about all the progress we have made with York and what will happen to York with all the turmoil taking place.  I pray for guidance and blessings.  So I try to be still and have faith that all will work according to God’s plan.  This is not easy for me.
 
It’s been a while.  Normally on Sundays, my children and grandchildren that live close by join us for supper.  Today my husband and I eat alone.  We do talk to them by phone and text.  But it is not the same as having them here to kiss and hug.  We miss them.  It’s so nice to have technology that allows you to see the faces of your loved ones when you are apart. 
 
It’s been a while.  The rest of the day is filled with things like cleaning the floors in my house; that hasn’t been done in a while.  LOL!  The other parts of my day are pretty normal.  I do some wash.  I watch some tv.  I do some reading and posting on Facebook.  I research education issues… 
 
For all the kids out there, I look forward to one day reading some of your journal entries during this time of uncertainty.  May God bless you and keep you!
 
BEcky