Our new normal has literally erased numerous events from my Moleskine. Earlier I gave away these days. After this pandemic is over, I might not need a calendar anymore! Even in the midst of disappointments and disruptions, I sense a silver lining of the gift of days redeposited back into my calendar and in truth into my life.
We all sense heightened fear and wonder if we might contract the virus. We pray for those who are sick and those who are grieving over loved ones whose passing happened too soon and unexpectedly. We empathize with those quarantined who are caught in transit enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime cruise or vacation thinking that that could be me.
Today, the world is hunkering down. We are stopping what we normally do so that we may help in slowing down the contagion. Cancellations and postponements are now the case and my calendar has many empty spaces.
In synch with Lent, I hear God calling to “be still.” Against fear and uproar, we believe “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’” (Ps. 46:1,10a)
I will strive to be still and know God’s help every day and particularly on the many redeposited days into my Moleskine. They are now mine to be still.