Shelter in Place

     Covid 19 has changed life all around the world in a matter of days, even in Montana where "social distancing" is way of life. Starting today, all Montanans are supposed to "shelter in place". It is a nuisance because going where we want and doing what we want is also a Montana way of life, but let me tell you about my "place". My shelter is a four bedroom, three bath home on a half acre lot. Our home is warm, comfortable and fairly clean. Whatever is not clean isn't because I lack resources, and certainly not time, just motivation. There are beautiful places to walk nearby. My pantry, refrigerator and freezer contain enough food to last for weeks, not because I hoarded, we always have that much. And as long as we have electricity, we have well water that tastes better than any bottled water I have tried. I even made a back room deal for toilet paper last week. And the only shortage of food and paper products is from the shortage of brain cells in the hoarders themselves.
     My husband and grown children all have jobs considered essential services, so they still have income. Although I would not have minded if my husband had some time at home for some of the many projects that need doing. Most importantly, we are all healthy, not even colds to worry might mean something worse. My perpetual winter cough is usually just annoying, but this year, attracts attention as if I were the current equivalent of Typhoid Mary--"Corona Connie". Our church service is available online and we can view it together by live stream, which is not the same as fellowship, but it is more than would have been possible years ago. I can also access BSF lectures and lessons online.
     And in America, if not in third world and/or socialized medicine countries, most of us have access to good medical care. There were no antibiotics or ventilators available in the Spanish flu pandemic 100 years ago.
     In other words, we are blessed. This is not house arrest, it is homecoming. I do not think most Americans fear dying of Covid 19, the death rate is very low, but I pray that this time of sabbatical from the sports, school and social activities that normally fill our lives, will change our priorities. Christians may know that God and family are all that truly matter, but we get caught up in the same mindless busyness that the world does. We are made for fellowship, but we are also salt and light, even when we worship at home and witness through social media. God has changed life all around the world in a matter of days. I pray that those who usually practice spiritual distancing will find a place in Christ's shelter.