Of Sound Mind and Spirit

COVID-19 aka Corona Virus. There are so many changes, so many cancellations, so many worries in this COVID-19 environment. You know them…. Health, finances, school, job security, access to food and staples, lack of receiving the Sacraments, working from home, not seeing our extended family, how long will this go on, cancellations of all senior year activities, what will our children’s future look like, and so, so, so many more things. There are days I’m content being quarantined at home with my family and days when I’m not able to sleep and dreading each day due to the uncertainty and anxiety of the whole situation. It is such a roller coaster. I know I can’t worry and focus on all these things I can’t control and instead I should focus on the blessing of my family being together and healthy while so many others are sick and struggling. I know... but like I said, some days are good and other days are bleak and depressing (especially if I turn on the news.) I do need to continue t

When I picked up the book "Give Up Worry for Lent! 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ " by Gary Zimak almost 40 days ago, I was looking forward to what the subtitle offered me - Finding Peace in Christ.  What I got for Lent was so much more... The small book reads like a daily devotional for Lent with a scripture, reflection, response, and prayer for each day.   Reading through the book this Lent started off well, with the short but impactful daily chapters offering to help enhance my trust in God. But little did I know what Lent & COVID-19 had in store for this year's journey to Easter.  Suddenly, all of the things I was giving up for Lent became extra hard or irrelevant and new challenges, such as losing the opportunities for a retreat, adoration, reconciliation, and even receiving the Eucharist, loomed large in the last few weeks drastically changing my Lent. This little book has become a refuge from the storm raging around me.  For a few minutes each morning I am