Will this isolation ever end?
Will this emptiness ever be filled?
Will the distance ever be bridged?
Will there ever be laughter again?
Or has the damage already been done?
Or is it too late to go back and start over again?
Jenny W. Andrews Copyright 2020
“It isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain-” Vivian Greene
Yesterday marks one month since I taught in my classroom. In my community, restaurants have been reduced to only take-out service, other businesses have been closed indefinitely. The plan is for us to get back to normal by April 30th; some speculate it might not be until May 15th.
The media outlets have overdosed on the worst possible case scenario stories with emphasis on the problem rather than a solution. Is there a solution other than locking down the entire world? Surely, scientists with their wisdom can come up with a solution. Surely.
While I am teaching online now, I prefer to be out of my house and in the classroom.
Social distancing/social isolation is not emotionally, mentally or spiritually healthy. People need actual interaction with others.
Curious fact alert: In my community, the liquor stores are open with lines out the door, but houses of worship are closed. Seriously? Who came up with this plan? Obviously someone who did not have their thinking caps on. Standing in line at the liquor store a few feet from each other? Ha! Ha! Ha!
That’s a great recipe there for disaster-alcohol use while in social isolation.
No one thought this through-did they?
What could possibly go wrong?
I’ve tried to keep my spirits up. I am a positive soul and I focus on solutions rather than problems. I’ve tried to share positive and uplifting messages here on my blog.
I like this quote “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain” because it focuses not on the storm but on what can be done in the midst of the storm.
In the midst of the storm that we are all in right now I ask what can we do. Can we adjust our thoughts toward learning something positive about ourselves? Have we learned to persevere in the face of discomfort and fear? Have we learned to slow down and take a closer look at our lives and decide to make changes that we hadn’t previously considered? Have we learned to find joy in the little things?
For me, I have revisited my art work and I have started to edit that novel I kept telling myself that I didn’t have enough time to work on. Well, time is all I have had these past few weeks. I have taken the time to organize family photos and clean out my closets.
In the midst of this storm I have decided to focus on the joy of painting, the joy of writing, the joy of early morning and watching the birds flying into the blue skies and landing on the branches of the old oak trees.
I’ve decided not to give into the panic; I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on the future.
I cannot change what is happening around me but I can control my reaction to it.
I prefer dancing in the rain to complaining about the storm.
Jenny W. Andrews, Copyright 2020
I painted this a few years back with watercolor. I love the rich use of color.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks.
Artwork, Jenny W. Andrews Copyright 2020
This is a photo of my sister Sylvia and I in the Republic of Ireland in 2008. This photo brings back warm memories; it also brings back a few bitter memories, as well.
Family has a way of lifting us up as well as tearing us down.
Family is complicated. We never can completely burn those bridges or completely sever those ties that bind us to those with whom we share blood and history.
In our current world, everyone is worried about Covid-19 and the potential of death. Truth is that we all must face death one day. If not now, one day, surely each of us will face it.
In looking at this photo, I remember laughter and I remember tears. I remember stories. I remember inconvenient and unpleasant truths.
In this photo, frozen in time are two sisters born twenty-four years apart who could never quite make that connection as we had hoped our meeting in the Republic of Ireland would have.
Too many differences, too many obstacles, too many years between us.
I look at this photo and wonder how my sister is doing so, so far away from me.
Truth is I pray for her with my whole heart. I pray that she is kept safe from Covid-19 and that she is happy somewhere out there.
I remember seeing an ancient stone bridge in County Kerry. I think of that bridge sometimes and how it was there in that isolated mountainous distance. I think of how it represents in my mind’s eye what my sister and I had tried to accomplish. We had tried to bridge that gap between us. In the end, she and I were like the mountain peaks, impossible to reach.
Jenny W. Andrews, Copyright, 2020
Years ago, I used watercolor to paint this sunflower.
Now that I am at home all the time I have decided to revisit the stacks of artwork I have around my house.
Who knows? I might be a Van Gogh. Well, maybe not a Van Gogh. But, with all the time on my hands I might well be able to perfect my artistic skills and at least. . .I don’t think I will ever be Van Gogh, but I am having fun with returning to my artwork.
I guess with staying home I have decided to make the best of a bad situation and develop my creative skills in both art and writing. I have also found some great websites on how to learn to speak French. I have a notebook that I am taking my French notes in and I am listening to websites in French and reading in French as much as possible.
I am looking ahead to when I can go to France and visit Monet’s garden. I love flowers and Monet’s garden is absolutely exquisite. I have only seen it in photos, but I plan to go as soon as possible. I will take my sketch pad and spend several days just enjoying France.
All this we are going through right now will eventually pass.
There is always tomorrow; there is always hope.
There will always be sunflowers.
Go out tomorrow morning and draw one.
That’s what I plan to do.
Jenny W. Andrews Copyright 2020
This morning, I sat down under an oak tree in my back yard and watched a squirrel skitter high up in the branches to its nest. A green lizard puffed himself up and dashed along the length of the fence before disappearing on the other side. My beagle ran across the yard and burrowed his nose into the rich dark earth in search of something that must have burrowed itself there.
Warm sunshine, birds in song, and the absolute calmness of this Sunday morning reminded me of thankfulness. I am thankful for another day to sit under this oak tree, to listen to the birds, to watch squirrels and lizards and my beagle playing in the beauty of the morning.
I drew this picture with water color pencils and thought about an island with flowers and calm blue water. I reminded myself that it is necessary to the happiness of my soul to be forward thinking, to plan for my future, to not give into momentary despair and fear.
I refuse to listen to the news anymore. I refuse to be paralyze by the incessant bombardment of the worst case scenarios. I will change those things that I have power to change. I will ask Jesus to hold my hand; his is the only hand I need. I will let go of those things I am powerless to change.
Yes, I will stick my head in the sand (well, not literally). Let me rethink that-I will stick my toes in the sand on a beautiful island. I have a few years yet before retirement, but I am planning for it.
I have even drawn this picture. I want to have lots and lots of flowers around it. I want a hacienda style house with telavera tile throughout the kitchen. I want a massive flower garden with Calla lilies, roses, irises, sunflowers, and fruit trees and a vegetable garden.
Here’s looking towards the future and thankfulness to my Lord Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible.
Jenny W. Andrews Copyright 2020
This is a drawing I did a few years ago. I like to use a lot of color.
In our current climate of worry, stress, and anxiety, I would like to encourage everyone to switch off your devices, tune out the constant media bombardment of horrible news.
We can’t stick our heads in the sand, of course. But, for your mental health, please, please take a break from the news. Switch it off for a day or two days. Or maybe don’t turn it on for a week. Or longer.
Pick up some color pencils and a sketch pad and go to it. Be creative and colorful. Have fun.
Pick up a notebook and a dictionary. Choose as many rhyming words as possible and write ridiculously funny sentences. Write limericks, ballads, rap songs. Write the worst possible country song you can come up with.
Laugh.
The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time, a season for everything. There will always be sorrow; but, there will also be a time of joy and peace.
These dark days we are experiencing now will not last forever.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s promises.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares the Lord.”Plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hope.
With God, hope is eternal.
As we approach the Easter season, trust in God’s promises. Light is at the end of this dark tunnel that we are experiencing right now.
Romans 8:38-39 reminds us of God’s love through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Revelation 21:4 reminds us that God shall wipe away all our tears.
“And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain, for the former things are passed away.”
Life will always have sorrow, death and pain. That is just a fact.
Life will always have beauty, joy, and wonder. That is just a fact.
It is my prayer that we all stay safe in these challenging times.
Take a break from the constant media coverage for your mental health. Spend quiet time with God, unburden your soul before Him. Trust that He will always be there to wipe your tears away. Trust that He has plans for you to prosper.
Trust completely in God and in His promises.
And draw a picture, write a song.
And share it!
Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2020
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Truly my soul waiteth upon God; from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62: 1-2
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18: 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Source: Holy Bible, King James Version, Book of Psalms
Today, I got notice at the community college where I teach English that today is my final day of work until sometime in mid-April. That is a long stretch of time not to work. My community is completely shutting down. What hurts most is seeing church services canceled. I understand the reason for social distancing, of course, but this is the time that we really need to be a faith community and support each other. We need to offer our prayers up to our God who hears us, comforts us, and holds us in His arms.
Even if you cannot physically attend church, please remember to pray without ceasing. Please do not lose your faith in our God who promises peace and healing. Please lift your hands toward our God and plead for His mercy. It is without limits. His love and His compassion knows no boundaries. This world is hurting; God is the answer to this suffering. He offers healing. Please reach for Him. Trust Him. He is our strength and our rock and our light in this darkness.
May God keep you, bless you, and surround you with His love and His compassion.
Amen
Jenny W. Andrews, Copyright 2020
This afternoon, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. Needless to say, everyone is concerned about the Coronavirus. I understand that completely. For some reason beyond my comprehension toilet paper has completely disappeared from the shelves. Did I miss something in the last few days regarding the importance of having an excessive abundance of toilet tissue? Hand sanitizer is missing, as well.
While I can certainly relate to the gravity of this pandemic and the utmost necessity of preparing oneself, I fear that there are some among us who in a panicked state grab whatever they can out of fear of not having enough.
Fear and panic will only exacerbate the situation. By overbuying toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other necessary items shoppers will create shortages. These shortages will have a negative impact on others who need the products as much as you do. Before you buy something, please consider other people and their needs. Of course your primary responsibility is to yourself and your loved ones, but please do not forget that we are a community. As a community, all our actions whether negative or positive, have consequences beyond our individual selves. Other people matter.
From what I have read, keeping your hands clean by washing them frequently is an effective strategy for reducing the spread of this virus.
It is my opinion that maintaining a healthy diet that boosts your immune system is another effective strategy when faced with this virus.
Although it is easier said than done, get enough sleep and take a break from worrying. Worrying does not help. Worrying only makes things worse. Find some activity that can redirect your thoughts. Watch a comedy; take a walk in nature. Do something you enjoy that will redirect your thoughts from worrying about this virus. Worrying about it will not help you. What strategies can you implement that will help you deal with its challenges? Be proactive. Do what you can and then let go of the worry.
Life will always have hardships and challenges. In order to conquer those hardships and challenges it is absolutely imperative that we all work together rather than against each other. Our strength comes from our unity as human beings on God’s earth. Each of us matters; each of us deserves to be loved, cared for and respected.
Let’s support each other during these dark days. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. We will conquer this virus.
May God bless us, comfort us and keep us in His care, for always.
Copyright 2020 Jenny W. Andrews
Jenny Grace's Poetry and Creative Writing Techniques 