Very true Strawberry.
MHD, I think you should self isolate- if you can cope with a degree of isolation and missing out. There are no guarantees, but you need to try!
This is an inspiring post from a vicar in my diocese:
Revd David writing about the coronavirus:
"I'm writing this around lunchtime on Thursday, and I’ve been checking the news every half hour (ok, let’s be honest, maybe every 5 mins) since this morning. It was announced when I woke up that the government will probably step up the virus response, but there are no more details so far. So I’ve read about a 90 year old powerlifter; I know about the shopping centres that are in danger of closing, but I don’t yet know what the government have decided.
The direct consequences of the virus itself on me are likely to be limited: I’m young, and healthy. I’m also very relieved that my children (both under 10) aren’t at a high risk. But I’m concerned for our wider family; parents and grandparents with underlying health issues. And I’m concerned for our congregation, many of whom are older. My mind does wander from time to time into thinking ‘when this is over, and the dust settles - who will I have had to say goodbye to?’
The other reason I’m concentrating on this is because of the potential effects on my work and my family. Are schools going to be closed? Will I have to stay home and look after the children? Will our church services be cancelled? There’s disruption in a new pattern. When you plan time off work to go on holiday it’s fun, but when you’re forced out of your usual routines unexpectedly, it can feel unsettling or anxiety-producing.
When a big crisis looms, it’s a natural human reaction to get tunnel vision. We get so focussed on the One Big Thing, that we can ignore lots of other things that also need our attention. Airline pilots are aware of this; when there’s an emergency in the cockpit, they have checklists of procedures to go through, which force them into taking a wide view of what’s happening. Otherwise, it’s perfectly possible for a pilot to concentrate so hard on re-starting the engine that’s cut out, that they don’t notice that the plane is taking a nosedive towards the sea.
St Mary Magdalene - The Parish Church - has been around for over 900 years. That means that it was here at the centre of Newark during the 3-day week in the 70’s; through rationing; through the Battle of Britain; through the civil war; the black death - and more. I find it a comfort to know that the place where we gather for worship each week is still here and standing after all of these major events. And it will still be here long after this current crisis is a faint memory. The church has been present as a place for christenings, marriages and funerals, for festivals and major events, and for a daily and weekly pattern of services and prayer which continue to this day.
This reminds me that there are other things going on in the world than this virus. Jesus said ‘when you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.’ If we don’t need to be alarmed about wars, we don’t need to be alarmed about a virus either. Yes, the potential number of deaths is significant; yes, those we love may be affected; yes there might be a disruption to our working or socialising patterns. But, that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing happening; it’s not all consuming, and it’s not the end of the world.
So what else is going on in your life that you need to pay attention to right now? What checklist do you have to ensure that you don’t get tunnel vision? What important things are in danger of getting crowded out by a crisis? For example: are you eating a healthy, balanced diet? Do the people closest to you know that you love them? Are you getting enough exercise? Are you caring for those who are vulnerable? Are you becoming a more honest and trustworthy person? Do you know that Jesus is with you, always? These things may sound like extra burdens, but by taking a broader view it can help us to feel less overwhelmed by something that seems all-consuming.
We have very little power to do anything about Covid-19. So, if we have enough information to make good decisions, and if we are washing our hands and not coughing on people, then let’s see what else we need to pay attention to, and that starts by paying attention to who we are, and how we’re treating those around us.
I hope that you know peace at this time, and that your life is full of the kinds of things that aren’t filling the headlines.
Revd David"