Long and Slow

Morning dawns with extravagance over our now, mostly silent, world.

And social-isolation is the new buzz word.

Seems like we are all taking part in a divine set-up where the busyness of everyday has stilled and there is now ample time for families to re-connect, for self evaluation, for cleaning out areas long neglected and there is space to re-think priorities.

Time to hear that still small voice that is always calling and inviting...

Come unto me...

Not that we are all making good use of this time - I know that I am still pre-occupied with projects and just trying to keep the house clean without my cleaning lady dropping by once every two weeks!

In the picture above  I am steam cleaning the floors after I vacuumed upstairs.  It was a very long, slow, and arduous process for which my body paid a price.

However, the clean floors have been smiling up at me every day since then.  

There was also the need to drag big jugs of warm soapy water outside to give Ladybug a thorough bath (after which she immediately ran to the grass and rubbed her face in the leaves)!

My quilt got a wash and then I hung it outside where it dried in the sun, later smelling like a fresh spring breeze when I lay on my bed. 

Mom has been having outings on the back patio when it is warm enough but the Spring has been long and slow in coming, along with everything else. 

One day after I dropped Mom off at Tante Hilda's I decided to expand my social isolation circle to include a lakeside walk with Leanne. We did pretty good with the social distance thing until I got tired and she started to push my wheelchair. 

It was a cold day indeed, but refreshing to be outside and to see the lake close up for a change.

There were few people out so it was easy to stay far away from them. 

It is strange to drive through the city now.

Reminiscent of old Kelowna when the streets were so much emptier and there was ample parking pretty much everywhere.

There have been gatherings of our small circle for supper a couple of times a week.  Dear Tante Hilda is on her own so much since the ladies in her apartment have been instructed by their children not to be with others.

That seems so unkind and sad, but I know everyone is simply trying to do what is best for the common good. 

There is much, much suffering going on in the world as a result of this virus. I personally wonder if we are over-reacting just a bit as I heard today that 99% of the people who have gotten the virus have recovered.

That was some really good news for a change. 

There have been a number of extra days of prayer and fasting on top of the 40 day fast going on.

The worldwide church is actually doing the 2 Chronicles 7:14 thing!

Much repentance, humbling, prayer and seeking God's face. 

So our little group that usually meets Monday nights to pray on my bed decided to meet outside where we could be at least 6 feet apart while praying.  

It was SO good to be together and we ended with communion.  Everyone brought their own cup and bread to prevent the spread of anything.

There have also been numerous opportunities to pray with the national body and the global body through an online forum. 

It's an unprecedented, powerful move of God throughout the world.

We are all in our homes watching the leaders on the screen, listening in, praying along, repenting and agreeing for God's Kingdom to come and then in unity we take the communion elements together.  

I feel so privileged to be on the earth "for such a time as this" and my prayers are mingled with millions of others for a global harvest and for an end to this epidemic, for the lessening of suffering and for relief. 

My fasting has more or less turned into eating mostly fruits and vegetables but it is also expanding in its width and depth! (As am I.) 

May Jesus gather up these little efforts of mine together with those around the world for great good.

The evening sun calls to me and little Ladybug has gotten a few walks during this quiet time.

She's probably wondering what on earth happened to Anita, her walking buddy.  Anita has decided to stay home from Iqaluit to look after her dad at a new place in town.

He was too lonely and getting depressed in his care home so she took him out and is living in a residential care home with him as of yesterday. 

This evening was particularly beautiful and it brought another quiet but peaceful day on the orchard to a close.