The Good in Our Life

I still feel as if we all are isolated. A few days ago, I needed to visit a drug store. I was thinking two or three times about going – will it be crowded, which mask do I have in the car… the one my sister-in-law made – not safe but comfortable, or the N-95 – more safe, but less comfortable?  I was sitting in a restaurant last week and about ten feet from me a man eating his lunch coughs. Am I supposed to worry, or not?

I took a walk this afternoon and reflected on what I have written in the past about remembering good times as a means of dealing with anxiety struggles. So, with this writing I wanted to briefly share a few memories that lightened today’s burdens. It is my hope that I might hear back some of the readers’ memories which help you navigate pain.

Writing in my journal years ago: “…below will be a list of events and moments which have brought me much love, joy and happiness over the years.” The entries have grown, but I will share just a few:

• The birth of my first daughter. Her mother and I had been speaking to her by name in the womb for months. When I first held her, I said her name and she immediately turned to me as if to say, “Oh, so you are the guy who has been talking to me!” 
• My first trip to Bermuda. My wife and I love this beautiful island. The idyllic sandy beaches, the crystal-clear blue water, the kindness of the local people. For me, this was a sense of visiting our Creator’s masterpiece on earth.
• Baseball with my dad. My memories of the last major league baseball game with my father will stay with me forever. The game was in Baltimore, the home team Orioles were crushed by the Toronto Blue Jays, but my special memory was seeing my dad, in his 80’s, enjoying a hot dog.
• The Garden of Gethsemane. My second daughter and I travelled to Israel in 2011. My great memory there was the quiet afternoon reflection among the gnarly olive trees, which have stood there for possibly thousands of years. This was said to be where Jesus’ prayed the night in which he was betrayed prior to crucifixion.

Each of the experiences were shared with loved ones. They were not all completely happy, but all involved loving relationships from deep in my heart and soul.

We are still in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Five days ago, 2,040 people in the U.S. died from COVID, with an 867,000+ total and an estimated 4.3 million people mourning loved ones.If we are honest with ourselves, everyone has experienced something during the past two years that has brought a sadness or anxiety. I encourage each of you to reflect on the powerful, loving memories you have had in your life and share a comment with us if you would like. Reflecting on the good in your life will warm your soul and writing it down is beneficial.  Be At Peace.