Here’s an article I wrote for our church newsletter near the beginning of the pandemic, May 2020. We were already into it with isolation and wondering how it would unfold, and mostly how long it would be. Never dreaming we’d still be in its folds in early 2022.

My Perspective: In Our Time

In a Sunday message recently, I heard a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien and The Fellowship of
the Ring that expresses what many of us are thinking about now as we “shelter in place.”

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.

“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times.”

To be clear, I have not seen the whole Lord of the Ring series. I’ve only read the first
Tolkien book, so I can only imagine the trouble they face. Frodo and Gandalf are
perplexed about what they ought to do next, just as we are. And perhaps they are also
afraid. Already they have faced the unfamiliar and terrifying and now there’s more.

While heeding best medical and leader’s advice, we wish this would be over, and
that we didn’t need to contemplate further news of the Covid–19 pandemic. Experts
have compared it to other times in history, perhaps trying to give us historical evidence
and hope that one day this difficulty too will pass.

Tolkien continues, “But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do
with the time that is given us.”

And that’s where we find ourselves too. Yet we know, as Christians, “who” we have in our
corner, as our hope. We know who sees all, understands all and knows all.
We can be honest about where this situation leads our thoughts and emotions, especially
when people are out of work and perhaps with a limited budget, and teaching their
children at home.

I’ve been hearing stories not just about our front–line workers in health care and food
services, but also of others striving to make the best of a difficult time. A fellow author
shops for groceries for frail seniors in her community; children tape their artwork in the
windows of their home to bring cheer to those who pass by; people have porch–to–
sidewalk conversations with neighbours, family, and friends. Other individuals are sending
positive messages on Twitter and Facebook.

Maybe this is the best we can do for now. That and offering
hope to those who have none, and praying for those who
need our prayers, as we stay safe and strive to remain
healthy. Until we gather again, take care of yourselves.

—

While we are not isolated to our homes at this time in early 2022, we are certainly urged to be cautious with the new variant. Many have been vaccinated and had their boosters as well. We wear masks in public places and practise physical distancing. And while parents help their children learn online as they also work from home, I see what a challenge that is as I sit with a few small grandchildren as they do their online lessons.

Having been an early childhood educator, I remember four-year-olds moving about the classroom participating in various activities, then sitting for music and story time. The best I can do is support those smaller ones I know and pray for all — teachers, students and parents — as they navigate another session of online learning. And hope that it will not go on for too long.

Peace to all