Today we began a brand new adventure. As a result of COVID-19, our school was closed and my kids had e-learning days. My husband’s office closed and he worked from home. My volunteer work was conducted on-line. At first, we were told to wash our hands and cover our coughs, but in a matter of days it’s become much more serious. Everyone has been asked to remove themselves from public life in the hopes of slowing down the rate of spread. It’s turned the world upside down. Stores have run out of toilet paper. Restaurants and public events have shut down. Those who have been exposed have been asked to self-quarantine. Everyone else has been asked to stay in as much as possible. They call it social distancing. I prefer to think of it as described by epidemiologist, Malia Jones as cocooning.
In a cocoon a caterpillar closes itself from the world for a short period of time so that it can complete a metamorphosis. It emerges from the cocoon a butterfly. We are all wrapped in an unknown cocoon and will no doubt go through quiet a metamorphosis. Whether or not we emerge as butterflies is up to us. I am choosing to look for the blessings in this imposed break. I don’t mean to diminish the immense challenges and loss this has caused, as it’s touched every fabric of our lives, but I do hope to raise up awareness of God’s hand of love and grace through this challenge. Today is 3.16. For Christians this number often represents John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This is the promise we can hold on to in our cocoon, until we emerge as butterflies.
Over the next few weeks, I plan to blog daily to document my families’ journey through these uncharted waters. I hope to share the challenges but also the blessings. Today we figured out a schedule and places for everyone to work. The kids completed their work but also had time to get outside and enjoy fresh air. We enjoyed relaxed meals together. Throughout social media I saw many of my friends doing the same thing. So many people are sharing their gifts and talents and services so that we can all educate our children and help them navigate this challenge. I am hopeful this time of quiet will prepare us for the challenge ahead and give us the strength to overcome whatever befalls us so that we can emerge as butterflies.
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