Let's think...

Tuesday 5th January, 2021

It certainly seems as if the pandemic is getting out of control. Numbers of infections rise daily. The pundits speak and search for causes and state their opinions. Many people seem to have theories and spout them too often. There is no real consensus although hope is being pinned on a vaccine. Yet the roll out of the vaccine is much commented upon also. It all seems a little surreal. A letter from my Jehovah Witness friend seems to believe this is part of the End Age. I have heard a few evangelicals saying it is all God's doing. Atheists are not sure who to blame, whether a Chinese conspiracy or some form of animal to human transference. I have heard it may be a world Government attempt to control various populations or an attempt by certain groups to achieve world dominance. While all this rages one does get a little irritated and impatient with it all. Certainly it makes one realise one's fallibility and fragility. Man is not the all powerful god like being. Artificial Intelligence may be the way forward, I have heard spoken.

With the lock down in Scotland one is certainly pushed back on to one's own resources. Boredom and loneliness have been much discussed as well as paralysis through fear and even a growing mental stress among many. Ways to keep physically and emotionally and mentally fit are often put forward and links to sites that can help in such cases are advertised.

I have a temptation to hibernate. I have a pile of books to read. I have a faith to enact in meditation and prayer and reading. I have a television to entertain me. I like to write letters and I walk and pick up litter. Another I know is constantly being busy polishing furniture, cooking, gardening, hoovering as well as being on the computer looking to virtual trips, concerts, talks and so on. Also much telephoning and chatter and emailing to keep up with friends and see how they are doing and take strength from solidarity.

We are able to use this time to learn of ourselves and our resources. We may be found wanting and reliant on what is around us. Why not? Nature is beautiful and fascinating. Books and a plethora of subjects are there to be studied. Languages and much more such as musical instruments and even the computer world itself are available to discover.

My present point of departure is from the Psalmist:

" Be still and know that I am God,

Supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth. "

As the book I am dipping in to by Carlo Corretto constantly reminds me God is God and man is man. Both are open to being known more deeply.