Kristen Grossman Prose

Amidst the uncertainty and strangeness of “sheltering at home,” I have found much to be grateful for.

The gift of family time together.

I am so thankful to have all of our children home under one roof. Our college son is currently taking his winter finals online. Our grad-school daughter is filming dance classes for her ballet students to watch online. Meanwhile, our high schoolers are awaiting tomorrow’s announcement from the school district regarding online schooling.

We have gathered together for online church, enjoyed family meals around the table, and indulged in an at-home “spa day!” My laundry load seems to have increased exponentially, but I have plenty of help washing and drying dishes each evening. It has been such a blessing to see our children make time to be silly and have fun with each other. We would never have dreamed we would all be here at home together this month.

The technology that keeps us connected.

The family chat group with my parents and three sisters has been more active than ever as we update each other on the strangeness of our “new normal.” I have friends both near and far who exchange silly videos, virtual peeks into old photo albums, and goofy selfies with me.

I have enjoyed chatting on the phone with my 93-year-old grandmother and my sweet mother-in-law and hearing how they are faring during this strange time.

My library has closed, but e-books are readily available through the library and my Kindle app. I need not fear running out of reading material!

A sense of community.

I feel a real sense of community as companies offer free online workout routines, parents share their plans and goals for schooling at home, and teachers extend offers of online help to overwhelmed moms and dads. While we are segregated, we are also in this together.

Those still out working for our health and well-being.

I am grateful for healthcare professionals, like my sisters, who are on the front lines treating the usual sources of illness and disease as well as this novel coronavirus. I’m also grateful for those workers who continue to make grocery store deliveries, stock shelves, and fill carts. Many people continue to go out each day to keep things running smoothly for those of us sheltering at home.

The Presence of God.

I saw a video on television yesterday of a priest who had set up a roadside stop to hear drive-up confessions. I thought that was sweet, but I am so thankful that we can approach the throne of God at any time with our praise, thanksgiving, confessions, and fears. Just as Moses assured the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6,

“The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Furthermore, God is with us whether we are heading off to work, tending the sick, making grocery deliveries, or quarantined within our homes.

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:7-14 (NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you continue to rain down us. I ask for continued strength and protection against disease for those who must go out to perform their jobs. Amen.

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