Today is…Thursday (I had to think for a moment to remember), May 14, 2020. Tomorrow is the day many states will lessen restrictions on so-called non-essentials. I'm glad I'm not the one in charge of such decisions. I would hate to have to determine who will be allowed to return to work, who can re-open their business, and what everyone is or isn't allowed to do. Wouldn't you?

I want to write about my personal experience with this worldwide pandemic, but where do I begin? There are so many things about which I can write. I wonder, for what purpose do I wish to share?

I'd love to hear about your experience!

Which format would you choose? There's YouTube, of course. A Facebook page is an obvious choice. If I had my way, if I had the skills, I'd produce, like, a major motion picture. What a unique experience this has been! I just love the way "famous" people are putting themselves out there, real-life, sharing their outdoor activities and things they're finding to do at home. And, newscasters in front of not-so-strategically placed cameras in their homes. Priceless. One guy was speaking very seriously to the camera while, in the background, his young children were running into the room, being chased not-so-discreetly by their mother to drag them back out. Hilarious!

In this humbling circumstance, we have become not so picture-perfect, haven't we?

I find it rather refreshing, don't you?

I guess what I want to capture in this moment, before it slips away, is the unique authenticity I see in people - the love, sensitivity, sincerity, humor, generosity, and creativity I've witnessed; and keep a record of it so we never forget.

On the topic of maintaining lasting memories, I have spent the majority of my time doing just that. For hours at a time, which have turned into days and then weeks, I have been seated at my computer in the sunroom of our dear hosts. While sorting, organizing and saving 1000's of photos, journals, Scripture lessons and sheep facts, I've watched Spring bloom, rain fall and blue skies abound.
What a glorious season.

Soon, it will be over.

Many wonder if things will go back to the way they were.

But, seriously, things have changed haven't they? I hardly think JC's and my circumstances are much different from anyone else's. But, one thing I noticed today - a small thing…Our vinegar spray bottle. In the apartment out of which we recently moved, I used a spray bottle of white vinegar for cleaning. It works great in the kitchen. When spraying down countertops to remove grease and crud, as well as disinfect, it was okay if I accidentally got it on food products. It's consumable! Just prior to our departure from our apartment, it occurred to me that I could add rubbing alcohol to the vinegar, thus creating a hand sanitizer! I looked it up online and, sure enough, my idea was confirmed. So, now, our hand sanitizer remains in our vehicle along with a roll of paper towels. After we visit a public place, we simply spray some onto a towel and thoroughly wipe our hands and surfaces. It's worked great! Besides, I never did like that watery, somewhat sticky, goo we squeeze into our hands…yuck.

I don't know about you, but in the midst of so many weeks of insulation from both the general public and the people with whom we are accustomed to congregating; along with inaccessibility to the places to which we are used to going (like the gym), I have found myself in times of uncharacteristically quiet thoughts.

When was the last time life was so still?

It is as if God pushed the PAUSE button.