Thursday, April 23, 2020

OUR INDIANA SANCTUARY: A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM (April 2 - 22, 2020)



Because WYNDHAM decided to close all resorts, we found ourselves back in the hills of southern Indiana five weeks earlier than we had expected.  There is where we call home, even though we typically spend about six weeks a year there.  Sherry's parents left her and her brother about three adjoining acres each between Bloomington and Bedford. Curt had a nice home built and we put up a 12 by 20 cabin.  The land is mainly wooded and is nicely suited for the isolation required these days.

All our WYNDHAM reservations have been cancelled until Thanksgiving time in Branson, Missouri.  Surely by then things will have opened back up.  When your retirement plans call for you to spend ten months a year with family, friends, and WYNDHAM; a self quarantine really messes things up.

Fortunately the six acres are like a State Park.  There are flowering trees, a ravine with a flowing creek at the bottom, and lots of wildlife.  Thus, there are daily opportunities to be creative with my photography hobby.  Finding a quiet place to read is not a problem.

REFLECTIONS

Once more we are reminded of how quickly things can change. Once more we are called upon to make a choice.  Will we choose to become bitter, angry prisoners in our own homes or will we embrace the freedom to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life?  You can either fester in your malaise against the virus, the decision makers, or China, or you can decide to spend the time encouraging others and thanking God for each dawning day.  It is difficult to do both at the same time. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones.  It is never easy.  Yet, whether a virus, an accident, a heart issue, cancer, or something else,  we are all mortal.  As of this day I have lived on planet earth for 26,230 days and if I survive this, perhaps, 90 day time of social separation, it will only amount to about .0034 of my lifetime to date.  I think I (we) can handle it.  Hope to see you on the other side; one way or another.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your lovely comments. I always enjoy reading your blog. May we all be a beacon for those around us.

Unknown said...

I enjoy your blogs so much. Very uplifting. Wish I could have heard some of your sermons. Thank you for sharing. God Bless.

Don said...

These are good thoughts, Al. I agree with your perspective! And silence, solitude, reading, meditation and prayer have long been important spiritual disciplines. These are good days to practice them. Stay safe. Enjoy every day!

Unknown said...

Beautiful thoughts and the feeling is mutual. Although my shelter in place is not as rural,the feelings of safety and contentment are a priceless gift whereever one may be..