Observing and Absorbing During the Virus

The past few weeks have given the world a new way to look at everyday happenings. Before the dreaded “Covid 19”, people were consumed with the hustle and bustle of their own “to do” lists, places to be, appointments, chores and more. Then, the news became filled with sadness, despair and fear. The virus was affecting more and more people. Decisions had to be made by authorities.

Even with those decisions and rules implemented, there were some people who decided not to follow guidelines. Very sad.

I have noticed the change in social media postings and even a change in a few television programs and radio shows. I am observing and absorbing a new wave of compassion. Yes, there are still people who feel the need to rant and blame. That is their choice. I choose to be a person who gives thanks to God for being with us during this time and always.

I have also noticed how children are observing and absorbing current events. Watching parents reading to their children while sitting outside in the front yard brings me joy. Listening to our two years old grandson tell me “That coronavirus is bad.” lets me know his parents have shared why there is no preschool. Noticing children walking in the neighborhood and when another person approaches, everyone stays at least six feet apart shows me that children are “observing and absorbing”.

What will the children of today tell their own children about this virus? Will they share stories of social distancing? Will they share stories of schools closing, parks with banners across the entryway saying “Closed to due virus”? Will they share the fear everyone expressed?

Or, will the children of today share their thoughts in the written word? Will they express how they observed neighbors sharing supplies, running errands for the elderly, making cards for nursing homes, writing letters to friends and family?

What will they remember? What are the children of today observing and absorbing during the virus?

I pray children and adults will remember this time as a time of sharing love and compassion. A time of reading stories together whether in person or via face time on the phone. I pray when this virus is over and gone, each one of us will remember God’s love for us during the virus, now and forever.

What are you observing and absorbing during this time? Share with us. Your thoughts may help another person.

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson

Comments

Observing and Absorbing During the Virus — 24 Comments

Jean Matthew Hall on April 18, 2020 at 9:09 am said:

Thank you, Melissa. You just gave me an idea. I live next door to a nursing home. I’m going to get busy making cards for the residents.

This is going to be so much fun!

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- Melissa Henderson on April 18, 2020 at 9:33 am said:
  
  Wonderful Jean! The residents will be blessed by your kindness. 🙂
  
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Nancy I. Sanders on April 18, 2020 at 12:08 pm said:

Thanks so much for such an inspirational message today. I think the main thing I’ve been observing is that God is calling me to explore what it means to wait on the Lord.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 18, 2020 at 12:12 pm said:
  
  Nancy, thank you for your kind words. Yes, during this time, we are learning new ways to wait on the Lord. I am thankful He is always with us.
  
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Melinda Viergever Inman on April 18, 2020 at 5:23 pm said:

What a beautiful post! I love when you share the perspective of your two-year-old grandson. This part of your post is so uplifting: “Listening to our two years old grandson tell me ‘That coronavirus is bad.’ lets me know his parents have shared why there is no preschool. Noticing children walking in the neighborhood and when another person approaches, everyone stays at least six feet apart shows me that children are ‘observing and absorbing.'” I hope and pray that many parents are doing as good a job talking to their little ones through this as your adult children are speaking to your grandson.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 18, 2020 at 5:44 pm said:
  
  Thank you Melinda. I appreciate you so much. Our grandson, Rowan, brings joy in every moment. I will pass on your sweet words to our son and daughter-in-love.
  
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Jessica Brodie on April 20, 2020 at 8:14 am said:

Beautiful! I read an article today that said our society might be becoming LESS selfish because of this time. Between that and your piece this morning, I definitely agree.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 20, 2020 at 8:36 am said:
  
  Thank you Jessica. Your encouragement and support are truly a blessing.
  
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Candice Brown on April 20, 2020 at 2:28 pm said:

I’m observing and absorbing how my different communities locally and worldwide rallied around me and covered me in prayers when I fell ill- including you! I am so very grateful for your prayers and support.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 20, 2020 at 2:29 pm said:
  
  Candice, I am continuing to pray for you. 🙂
  
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Emily | To Unearth on April 21, 2020 at 8:27 am said:

While my schedule hasn’t changed too much — aside from not gathering for church or Bible study — I can definitely say I am absorbing more time with my husband. It’s wonderful to have him home with me all day, since I always work from home and can get rather lonely during the days!

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- Melissa Henderson on April 21, 2020 at 8:59 am said:
  
  I am enjoying having my husband at home, too. He is able to handle mortgage business from his laptop at home. He works downstairs at the dining room table and I have my home office upstairs. We love being able to chat anytime during the day. 🙂
  
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Nancy E Head on April 21, 2020 at 3:44 pm said:

I hope we all remember this time in a positive way. I’ve loved being home more for the most part. It feels like summer, but with online teaching obligations. Some kids made the transition well. Others, not so much. As high-schoolers, their memories will be bittersweet, especially for the seniors.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 21, 2020 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  Yes, the senior class will have a much different last year and graduation experience. I, too, hope and pray we all remember this time in a positive way. There are so many lessons to be learned.
  
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Yvonne Morgan on April 23, 2020 at 12:14 pm said:

This is a beautiful post. I too am enjoying the more uplifting attitudes on Facebook. Our world is bathed in more love and kindness even if some have not found it yet.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 23, 2020 at 12:24 pm said:
  
  Thank you Yvonne. I pray all will find the love of God. 🙂
  
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Melissa McLaughlin on April 23, 2020 at 8:00 pm said:

Melissa, what a wonderful mindset you have encouraged us to have! Let us think of the children among us, for yes indeed, they are watching. May we model lives that are anchored in the hope, love and peace of Christ.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 23, 2020 at 8:10 pm said:
  
  Thank you Melissa. Yes, let’s think of the children. 🙂
  
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Karen Friday on April 23, 2020 at 8:47 pm said:

What a wonderful post, Melissa. You stirred my soul and moved my heart. I also wonder what the kids today tell their own kids about the virus, and what we are observing and absorbing ourselves. Like you, I want to be found compassionate and thankful the Lord is with us now and always!

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- Melissa Henderson on April 24, 2020 at 8:05 am said:
  
  Thank you Karen. I pray we are showing children the correct ways to respond to any crisis. I pray we are showing God’s love to everyone.
  
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Anne Mackie Morelli on April 24, 2020 at 9:26 pm said:

I have been wondering about how the virus and the isolating will impact all the children emotionally and psychology over the long term. My grandchildren, all toddlers, are struggling to understand why they cannot hug Grannie and Poppa or get to close to us or go into each other homes. To comfort them in their disappointment we have to tell them that it is not their fault and they are not to blame and that we love them and can blow kisses to each other. It breaks my heart and we know that this is a common story in all extended families.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 24, 2020 at 10:36 pm said:
  
  Our 2 years old grandson wants us to come play. We do video chat and that is helpful. So hard to explain to the young ones what is happening. But, even our grandson knows “the coronavirus is bad”. I pray all children will know they are loved and cherished.
  
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Nancy E Head on April 27, 2020 at 4:29 pm said:

I hope the absorption is positive and profound. That’s up to the grown-ups to try to underline the important. But I was surprised when my own children got older how they had underlined things differently from the way I had.

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- Melissa Henderson on April 27, 2020 at 5:41 pm said:
  
  I pray the absorption is positive and profound, too. Praying this virus will be gone soon.
  
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