As the news arrived this week that the first case of CO-VID 19 was reported in Murray County, it became just a little more “real” to many in our corner of the world. We hear the news, we talk with friends and family across our country and even beyond, and we review the best ways we can try to be safe over and over again. Masks are being made by the millions in factories and homes across our land, and companies who used to produce other products, now are scurrying to make hand sanitizer, hospital gowns, and other necessary items. Changes come by the hour as to what is allowed in communities and businesses. “Essential” is a word that has taken precedence to whether stores and places of business can be open for customers or not. Even the workers themselves are labeled in that way.
A cousin of mine that lives in New Mexico shared the following poem with me this week. It is beautifully written, and brings a sense of peace when read and quietly digested. I wanted to share it with you, and hopefully it will give you some minutes of silent reflection. I pray that you and yours are healthy, safe, and finding meaningful patience as you live these days out one at a time.
LOCKDOWN
(Adapted) by Richard Hendrick, OFM Mindfulness Ireland
Yes, there is fear.
Yes, there is isolation.
…..Yes, there is sickness.
Yes, there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other across the empty
squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of the family around them.
….All over the world people are slowing down and
reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors
in a new way
All over the world, people are waking up to a new reality
……To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes, there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
….Yes, there is sickness.
But there does not have to be the disease of the soul.
Yes, there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
…….
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able to touch across the
empty square,
Sing.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
