I find it hard to believe that it’s been almost two weeks since I last posted. Well, maybe not, as time usually gets away from me and I’m not a very consistent blogger — but I had this vision of utilizing some of my quarantine time to get into the routine of blogging and sharing what was happening here or items of interest that I might stumble upon, and somehow, still, I haven’t lived up to my own expectations. So if you are one of the very few people who actually visit here and read what I have to say, let me update you on the past few weeks.
First and foremost, I am quite the “germaphobe”. You can only imagine how this pandemic has undone my normal routine. While I love being at home I have been struggling (as most of you have too) with getting a simple grocery delivery or pick up slot. So frustrating, but understandable. And I have also been questioning my fear (is it irrational?) of actually entering a grocery store! I have managed to avoid any public places for a good three weeks now, and my intention is to keep that going for as long as humanly possible. Fortunately, I did score a delivery slot for yesterday — which was quite a blessing because my fridge and pantry were getting quite bare — and now I don’t have to spend day after day refreshing browser pages trying to randomly discover an open spot.
I found myself sliding into a bit of a depression around the beginning of April so I had to print out a calendar for myself and assign a task for each day – you know the sort of tasks I am talking about; the ones that you never have time to get to when you are heading to work and your routine is normal – things like, cleaning out a closet, organizing cabinets, straightening up the garage, even bathing the dog! That has helped! I’ve managed to get my daily task done each day and once my mood lifted, I was even inspired enough to get into my normal spring exercise routine (the one that I always swear I will carry out through the winter and never do). That too has helped improve my mood.
Ok enough of that — I’ve been taking advantage of some of the online resources that our diocese and local parishes have provided to enhance our Lent and Sunday experiences or holy hours and have found some gems! See my posts from two weeks ago for a few resources. Although these resources have been a blessing, it’s certainly shaping up to be a Holy Week and Triduum that despite my best efforts feel hollow and lacking. I miss the Eucharist and I don’t think that after this pandemic passes I will ever take the Sacraments for granted again.
Wherever you are, and however your quarantined Holy Week has unfolded, I wish you a Blessed Easter and encourage you to pray for an end to this pandemic and for all those impacted by this crisis. I will keep you in my prayers, please keep me in yours.
— Mary