PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

A few hours were opened today for exercise on the beach in Crescent Beach FL and I was so happy to take a long walk on the sand and put my toes, or both feet, in the water.  That wonderful feeling of the sand and sea was what I needed right now for some peace and joy. 

Being in the midst of a pandemic is one of the most depressing events I have experienced in my lifetime.  The Coronavirus Covid 19, is a deadly disease that is covering our world in darkness, sickness and death and is forever changing the world as we knew it just a couple of months ago. 

Our countries were not and are not prepared to take care of all the sick and many dying patients.  Our health workers are completely exhausted, not enough equipment, too few testing kits and other medications, and no experience in treating this unique virus. Our world is experiencing a disaster which we have only seen in movies, read in books and said that it is Science Fiction with the emphasis on Fiction.  It will never happen here or in our lifetime, has been the attitude of most, including me.   

Well, it is here! It is happening and we are clueless in many ways in controlling it or taking care of our ill and dying.  We have been told to quarantine ourselves in our homes unless we are “essential or necessary”.  What does that mean?  There are as many opinions on who these people are as there are people.  We are told to keep at least 6 ft. from another person, unless it is family that lives together.  Good idea but many people ignore the directive and meet for parties, dancing in the streets, funerals and worship services and many other group activities. The illness is being spread each time this rule is broken and a lot of these people in these groups seem to care less.  They think they are invincible and “It can’t happen to me” is the thinking of these people.  Can you say “clueless” or “stupid” would be appropriate to label these people?

Masks worn over the nose and the mouth will help the spread of the virus enormously if people would only wear them.  We soon exhausted the supply of masks and instructions began to appear on many websites on how to make them even if you can’t sew.  Many of us began to sew masks, some by the hundreds to give to health care workers, family members and others.  But, many people will not wear them and look at you like you are crazy when you wear one.  

We are in St. Augustine FL today and over half the people we saw had no face masks on, even children with parents.  What are they thinking?  Maybe they are not thinking.  I pray the children will be safe and that parents will realize how serious this time is in our world.  

The beaches in Florida were opened today  from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm after being closed for several weeks, to give people an opportunity to exercise by walking, running, etc.  No gathering in groups, suntanning, chairs, umbrellas  or partying.  Our beach we use was full of people following the guidelines and loving the chance to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.  However; in some areas, the rules were completely ignored and partying, suntanning, and other group activities were being enjoyed by many young people.  This type of behavior is dangerous for them and others and could result in the beaches being closed down again. 

What is it with some people?  Selfish, self-centered and arrogant seems to be the attitude and I am sad that these people do not seem to care for anyone but themselves. Hopefully they will not become sick or infect others. 

Walking the beach this morning, feeling the sunshine and ocean breeze on my face and arms, I thanked the Lord for a beautiful world and finding peace and joy to refresh my soul.  Several Bible verses were running through my mind.  “ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) , “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2), "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." (Psalm 95:3-5).  

My prayer was one of praising God for the beauty  I was experiencing but primarily I prayed that God would remove this terrible virus from our world. Knowing that God’s plan for this time is perfect, I had to pray, not my will but Yours be done.  It is hard for us to remain faithful and at peace because we don’t see the whole picture but only a tiny bit and we don’t understand His whole plan for this particular minute God give us wisdom to know no matter what is happening or will happen is unknown to you and that you will walk through it with us and shield us.  

I wish you could be with us as we are enjoying this beautiful area of God’s creation for a little while.  May you rest easy wherever you are in the arms of our Lord and Savior. 
Frances