For too many years eyes have been down, conversations are few, and rarely a sound. Laughing or crying hitting “share” on a screen~we’ve hitched harmony with humans transmitted ~not seen.

Humans are walking alone in a crowd, shoulder to shoulder they stand, yet their heads mostly bowed. Not a prayer, not a mumble, but maybe a nod~ an occasional “Hello”, our communication seems flawed.

“Social distancing” may mean our normal is frayed~every move, every step, has to be weighed. Yet we sit all alone fused to our only device, thinking “how worse can this get?” listening to media’s advice.

Our spirits will rise seeing kindness and grace~despite the empty shelves and the panic, and the smallness of space. You’re buckled to loved ones, now what will you do? A forced isolation just may be the glue.

All mustered together feeling the sting, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I’ll fasten my faith and harness my hope, with God on my side, it’s much easier to cope.

As immunity increases will we remember the days? Gatherings certainly existed and not just on Sunday’s. Put down the electronics and extend a hand, let’s listen to one another, and try to understand.

Disasters have happened since the beginning of time, although new and mysterious, I won’t shift my paradigm. I’ll tighten my trust and breathe in fresh air~check on my neighbors, and show others I care.

With Spring in the forecast and hope all around, please pray for humanity~a new bond will be found. Let’s garner our grit and talk about faith~close the gap that’s between us and meet face-to-face.

Perhaps we were already isolated~even in huge crowds. When the words of my poem came to me this morning, after prayer and meditation, I thought of the “irony” of isolation. There are so many times I witness distraction. Many people just exist as if “in a daze”. Families that would go out to eat would just sit with little conversation and most would be using their cell phones. No, this is not the case for everyone. But I see our social skills declining in certain situations. Social distancing isn’t really “new” in regards to how we’re “out of touch” with humanity at times. Maybe by social distancing we may become “in touch”.

Please allow me to switch gears to share a bit about my area. Living in a tourist area is definitely interesting. Today, after distancing myself in the woods, I wanted to “investigate” the vibe of our area during this unprecedented time. Although famous for its live entertainment (and not just country music folks), the Branson area was best known for the novel “Shepherd of the Hills” written in 1907 by Harold Bell Wright (http://www.branson.com/learn/general-branson-info/branson-facts) Typically by spring break, 76 Country Boulevard (as known to many of us as the Branson “Strip”) is jam-packed with cars. No, it was not bumper-to-bumper, BUT THERE WERE STILL MANY! If you are looking for a family-oriented fun destination, I’d highly recommend you visit our “neck of the woods”.

While driving I was smiling. 🙂 “Look at all the families here celebrating life together!” Thank you Branson, MO for doing your part in the global attempt to slow the spread. And a BIG thank you to Dunkin Donuts for the yummy sugar-free raspberry latte (B.T.W. when asked if business was slowing down, the young man declared, “It’s just the opposite! Apparently everyone needs donuts!” Well,..duh.

It makes perfect sense that some of the theaters have temporarily closed. YET, some of them remain open limiting their seating capacity and/or distancing the guest seating. Bravo! Lucky for us, there are miniature golf courses nearly on every block of the strip. Thank you to the tons of visitors that are spreading good cheer, despite their change in plans! If you choose to throw caution “to the wind”, health officials across the country still urge visitors to be informed, wise, and WORSH THOSE HANDS! (I’m using my southern and proud SW lingo to emphasize) 😏

Speaking of wind…there was a beautiful southern warm wind blowing in SW MO today. And the trees and I did not keep our distance. Their arms reached out to me and gave me a healthy embrace.

In the park, picnics were being enjoyed by many (tables just the perfect distance 😁), hammocks were hanging in the forest, and children laughing and playing. Simply put, nature is a healer!

If you believe in the power of prayer, remember all of the workers without a job. With businesses slower than usual, unemployment will be very high. My heart and prayers go to everyone not able to make an income during these times.

Have faith💚

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