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Year Four, Day 263: Pandemic Times, Day 12 - Don't Worry, Pray!

I had a better day today. I made sure I got outside to get some fresh air. I did my Qi Gong and weighted hoop workout in the park across the street at about 8:30 a.m.


There was also a person jogging, a lone basketball player and a city maintenance worker; all keeping their distance. It was chilly and overcast, with a light drizzle, but it felt good to be outside and breathing fresh air. My asthma and allergy symptoms have subsided. I brought my Bible with me to the park. I sat under a shelter by one if the baseball diamonds and read my daily psalm and gospel (I'm reading Luke 12:22-34).

It struck me that today's reading was very appropriate to the current state if the world:

"Do Not Worry

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 12: 22-34 (NIV)

Today Oregon's Governor Kate Brown scolded her constituents for not taking her stay hime recommendation seriously. She was mainly referring to all the tourists flocking to the coast. So she made it an order. Police can actually wrote you a ticket if, after educating you, you do not comply. The governor of Washington, Jay Inslee followed suit, issuing a similar stay home order. Nonessential businesses will be closed as well as parks and playgrounds. We can go to the grocery store for supplies as long as we keep a 6' distance between ourselves and other shoppers. We can walk our dogs, exercise, and travel to and from work (that is, if we are still employed).

Multnomah Falls was closed after a similar throng descended this last weekend.

Perhaps people will begin to obey and take this pandemic seriously. I'd like to emerge from my cave eventually!

Today's stats are:
383,697
Total Confirmed Cases

 16,566

Deaths


Compared to yesterday:

343,209

Total Confirmed Cases

14,730

Total Deceased

Sticking to my routine today did help my.mental health immensely. I had more energy, less stress and more hope. 

And I am quite enjoying teaching piano via Skype! I taught a family of four yesterday and a 4th grade boy today (he is doing two lessons a week).

And an absolute bright spot is my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter came down to my basement room and knocked on my door. She said, "Zma, I want my piano lesson!" I was so tickled. So was she!



And on that note, I hope you are not only surviving, but thriving! If you are struggling physically, mentally, emotionally or physically, know that you are in my prayers as I am praying for the whole world! 

But if you would like to be added to my prayer list, you may email me at: 
Pianoteacherzitapdx@yahoo.com.

And I would welcome your prayers for me and my family too. This is a global pandemic. We are all in this together!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Love,

Zita












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