Woof. The last few weeks have felt like a few months. Social distancing is obviously not the worst thing in the world, but it's no walk in the park either. Except when it is a walk in the park, in which case it is actually pretty nice. Spring has sprung in Tallahassee and there are a number of plants blossoming that Hannah and I have enjoyed seeing and smelling on our daily walks. I always keep an eye out for Jasmine when we go out. It smells so good!! If you've never walked by a Jasmine-covered fence, then you need to get down to Tallahassee and take a walk with us -- 6 feet apart, of course. The Magnolia trees are starting to flower as well, and man do they light up. They are just starting to flower, so I haven't yet seen any trees fully blooming, but the flowers I have seen are big and bright.
So yea, trying to stay positive in light of current events. Death toll keeps rising, millions are unemployed, and people have started protesting to reopen the economy. Hoping/praying for the best as we transition to a new way of life. I said to Hannah today, "What if we were freelancing right now? What would we do if we didn't have a contract to continue getting paid?" I've entertained those thoughts a lot lately, and for good reason. So many of our friends are struggling to pay rent and do what they love doing.
A pair of Chickadees moved into our birdhouse a few weeks ago, and now they have chicks! I love hearing them right outside our living room window. They seem to be having a great time through this whole pandemic. I love how they just do their thing all day. Trying to be more like them, and not worry about the future so much. More so worrying about the future of others than worrying about myself. Definitely a privileged position to be in, but it's true. I'm worried about families who were already struggling, and prisoners, and elderly people in nursing homes. So much to worry about... and I feel guilty not being able to help them. I've asked God a number of times, "Will they be ok when this is all said and done?" Never seem to get a straight answer.
At least we have the Psalms when things get dark. An appropriate time, then, to pray David's ancient prayer, if not for ourselves then for those who are suffering.
Psalm 13
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Orchard in Bloom - Claude Monet, 1878