I admit, at the start, I didn't expect to survive it. You may be surprised to hear this didn't worry me too much for myself:the thought of death fills me with curiosity, a touch of excitement, even. What's the point of faith if it doesn't kick in now? I grieve for the suffering my demise will bring to everyone who loves me, and that's it.
I stopped worrying about a lot of stupid things, which in the face of catastrophe, didn't seem worth the energy: I stopped weighing myself. I don't wear a watch, I go to bed and get up when I want to, and I no longer feel guilty when eating chocolate. The human-inflicted crises to come - Brexit and climate change - receded as the imminent threat of this global pandemic took centre-stage.
There are no compensations, though for the separation from my family, I miss my children and grandchildren continually, and their absence is the most powerful motivator to keep the curfew: to play with the kids again.
When I worked in Lower Kroza, my African friends would say goodbye with,"Go well!" I leave you with the response;
"Stay Well."
I intend to.
The clamour to re-engage with society is growing. A few hours ago, a friend sent round a petition to reopen the churches. I replied with latest data on infection rates. at R=0.7 in the South West, the bishops won't countenance it, and I guess are content to take the blame for their insistence on caution. God doesn't follow the science:he invented it.
I would say some of the favourite readings in the bible amongst Christians, are the letters of St Paul referencing the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Love, Peace and Joy have their place, but in these troubled times, Hope Patience and Perseverance top my list.
