Weeks of Isolation

Today marks four weeks of home confinement. After two weeks of bronchitis with intense fatigue, the coronavirus added its period of self isolation. 

            When I recovered from bronchitis, energy returned and I eagerly attacked chores around my house. I partially cleaned out closets and the garage. My yard looked better after I pulled weeds and trimmed plants. 

            Each day I read, finished craft projects, played games, called and texted friends, sent cards…

            But today, my focus wavered. My to do list stared at me defiantly when I glanced its way. My mind formed plans but motivation disappeared. 

            The last few nights produced erratic sleep. At 3 this morning, I got up, read the Bible and my daily devotions.  After praying, I slipped back into bed for a couple more hours of sleep. 

            Later in the morning when I sat on my patio, clouds muted the sky but no rain for the parched earth. 

            However, the peacefulness of the lake consoled me. Bird songs revitalized my sapped energy. 

            Suddenly, boisterous squealing and screeching from one side of the lake to the other disturbed the tranquility. A bald eagle swooped from one tree top to another. 

            I grabbed my binoculars and focused on one majestic bird. One next door neighbor came from her yard with her binoculars. Then we observed two eagles on separate sides of the lake. The ruckus continued. 

            Another neighbor joined us as we all peered into the forest. Some of the sounds were desperate like a cry for help. The first neighbor had seen a young eagle perhaps just leaving the nest. To us, it seemed that the parents were near by, encouraging the youngster, but not helping him fly. No matter how much he cried out, he had to do it on his own. We didn’t see the young one, but after several minutes, silence returned. 

            From chaos to serenity, the episode revived me as I connected with my neighbors. We looked at caterpillars and butterflies in one butterfly garden. Each of us has milkweed for Monarchs and enjoys the beauty of the lifecycle. 

            Like the shrieking of the eagles, whining doesn’t change my situation. Instead of complaining about being home, I can make the most of isolation. Recently, I have seen more of my neighbors as we get out of our homes. I have learned from the History channel and enjoyed creating new crafts. I am eating at home and probably better. When I appreciate what I have been able to do, the time is not all wasted. Each day, I can choose how I will react and be thankful. 

With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing for joy and celebrate every day we are alive. (Psalm 90:  14 The Voice)

Dear Lord, help us as we deal with difficult situations. We know You are near even during the trials when we feel alone. Help us be thankful. Amen