Denver. I will see my family whose home is in Myanmar but who have been in the US for the past four months sheltering in. They will be able to return home soon, and if I don’t see them now, I won’t for probably 18 months. For me, it is worth taking the risk to fly to see them.

My daughter, who has chosen not to see me because I am in the vulnerable age group (she keeps reminding me of that!), now wants to see me because she, too, knows how long 18 months is. Her instructions to me about travel have been explicit and detailed. It’s made me wonder if that is what I have to look forward to in another decade or two. Right now my brain still works, and I could probably figure out quite well how to get from Sacramento to Denver even in this strange time. If I begin to experience fuzzy thinking and forgetfulness, I can’t imagine how she’ll worry about me moving from here to there. So I affirm clear thinking until the day I pass into the next realm!

Not only will I take all precautions when I travel, on my return I will self-quarantine and on day five have a Covid test. I have no doubts that I will be fine. I would not return to church, though, until I know that I could not endanger anyone in our congregation.

Today I thought a lot about how our world might look after the critical stage of Covid 19 has passed. I can’t imagine. I trust that we will have learned how to live a more internal life and be more respectful of others. Friends that I have who are avid shoppers have learned that shopping is often just a way to fill time. Those who have not spent much time alone have learned that they are good company for themselves. Many have learned that quiet contemplation brings joy and insight.

I read an article last week about boredom and how many are learning that not having every minute filled does not result in what they once called boredom. It is relaxation. When we learn to relax, we give our minds a chance to rest. Deep relaxation refreshes in the same way meditation does. Often new ideas and insights emerge.

As I reread what I’ve written, I recognize that there is no meat here. I said to myself, “Oh, Carolyn, a minister’s eBlast should at least have something spiritual in it for people to think about.” So please think about this. Lightness can be refreshing. Sometimes we see ourselves more clearly in something light than if we have to think too hard to grasp the content. Lightness can make us smile. Smiling is good for the soul. Lightness can be fun, and in this time we definitely need to find ways to have fun.

I will return to church the week of July 26 having followed all the travel instructions from my daughter and all the returning instructions offered by our public health system. In the meantime, I am as close as my telephone and text (530-605-6306) or my email (writecarolyn2@yahoo.com). Know that you are in my heart, love, and prayers. 

Lovingly,