When the lockdown began in March, I must admit I was in a roller coaster of emotions. First, there was a feeling of panic as news soared on people hoarding groceries and seeing shortages of sanitizers, cleaning supplies, even as trivial as toilet paper! Thoughts of horrific end of the world movie scenes flash through my mind. Second, there was a feeling of dread as thoughts of high possibility of being infected by Coronavirus loomed in my head. I worried for my Father who is 83 years old and very much vulnerable to this virus. Finally, there was a feeling of isolation and despair. My family and friends know me of always being away on weekends on some kind of adventure which has always been my personal therapy. During lockdown, my trips were restricted into the four corners of my house. I also had to let go of a long planned trip with friends to Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg supposedly in May. We were so looking forward to it that at first we were still determined to go until borders started closing. We can’t take the risk to be sick/infected in another country. Concerts, sports events, downtown festivities were cancelled one after another further fueling the feeling of despair.
I turned to the Lord in prayer. I laid down all my negative emotions. I asked for His wisdom, strength and guidance. When I did this, my focus turned to His greatness and sovereignty. He is not surprised by these events. I believe that amidst the chaos in our eyes, He is in control. I turned to His Word and reminded myself of His promises. This brought peace and calm in my heart. I was able to deal one by one fighting each feeling of panic, dread, disappointment and depression.
From prayer, to reading the Bible, another avenue that helped me tremendously was on reaching out to others. Thank God for technology, I had video calls with families/friends/classmates/officemates across the globe. It was so much fun to be reconnected with them and knowing what they are going through as well.
Another great way of reaching out is to participate on the online church services and growth groups. Growth groups help you see beyond your own issues and see others going through the same trials or even worse. You also celebrate together for any answered prayers! The Bible studies keep your mind focused as well on the Lord. If you don't have one, start one, no matter how small, it's the connection and accountability to one another that counts. Volunteering on food drives and other initiatives (keeping in mind precautions necessary) is also a rewarding experience . In God’s world, the more you give/lose yourself, the more you gain. The more you serve, the more sense of fulfillment and joy you get.
When restrictions started to ease, I discovered more places within Ontario along with a small gang of travel buddies. I explored all the 7 parks of the Halton Hills Conservation Area. It was a blessing that I got myself an annual membership card last year and I was able to maximize it. Other day trips included Lake of Bays in Muskoka, Mono Cliffs in Orangeville, Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil, Blue Mountain/Sunset Point/Northwinds Beach in Collingwood, Island Lake Conservation Park in in Orangeville, Sunflower / fruit farms in Milton or Caledon. For longer trips, there was Tobermory, Lion’s Head and Southampton. I have an upcoming trip to Manitoulin Island (Cup & Saucer Trail, Bridal Veil Falls) making Sudbury as our base for hotel accommodation. It felt good to discover new places within our very own Ontario province and contribute to local tourism. Above all, we get to see and experience the awesome creation of our Master Creator. The beautiful flowers of spring, the greens and vast spaces during summer, the burst of fall colours truly lift the spirits.
You are not alone. Your Heavenly Father cares for you and wants to be involved in your life. He is just a prayer away. Make that brave move to reach out to others. Finally, go out with small band of friends/travel buddies (still with precaution and proper safety protocols, of course) and let nature do its wonders.
What have been your ways of coping in this pandemic? Please share below and encourage others!
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