Last summer, my family had a reunion on Isle of Palms, SC, a tradition that we have every year. One day at dawn, I was walking on the beach to meditate and admire God’s creation during the golden hour. Golden it was – from the rising sun to its corona, to the morning sky, to the reflection of the heavenly light on the surf. Everything seemed to be immersed in the color of gold. The ocean waves gently and rhythmically came and went - leaving behind a momentary foam. The salty wind was both gentle and soothing. Aside from the alluring sound of the sea that’s steady like the heartbeats of nature, it was quiet. It was a surreal moment as the beauty of dawn on the beach was breathtaking. But what mesmerized me the most was the wet sand that glowed after the waves retreated. I’m sure you have seen it, walking on the beach at the water edge. The wet and compacted sand after the water retreated looked like a sheet of glass that reflected the sun above and extended its light as far as the eye could see. A golden mirror that reflected a golden light and made it even brighter. That image has stayed with me with an indelible sense of awe and peace.
We have heard and read so much of the coronavirus pandemic lately. The name Covid-19 strikes fear into the heart of every man, woman, and child on this planet nowadays. A lot of information, both good and bad, has already gone “viral”, no pun intended. Even experts on the field seem to have somewhat different takes on the ultimate impacts this microscopic villain will cause by the time it’s over. Some are sending a more cautious and calming note while others are predicting more dire consequences as if there isn’t enough panic already. While all of us expect things to get worse before they get better, most would like to stay calm in the midst of a storm as we know panic breeds irrational behaviors that can cause further harm. Yes, we all need to take the precautions that are spelled out by our federal and state and local governments and use common sense to mitigate this crisis. And yes, while it’s wise to have ample food and supplies in the case of quarantine, it’s harmful to the sickest and oldest among us if we stockpile stuff that won’t make a bit of difference to us now or later.
For my medical professional colleagues out there, my encouragement at this moment in time is to stand our ground as we always have. We are to take care of our families and ourselves as we must. But if the need is deep and the demand is great at work tomorrow, we are to work longer, do more than asked, and care more than needed because that’s how we are. We are created to care for those who can’t for themselves and that’s a privilege endowed by God. We seek not glory nor personal fulfillment other than satisfaction with doing the best that we can. So tomorrow, if the need is deep and the demand is great, let’s put on our scrubs, our lab coats, our stethoscopes, or whatever… and most importantly, our caring hearts and a steadfast resolve to do what it takes to battle whatever illnesses that plague humanity, including Covid-19. We must stand our ground and work with the ancillary staff, the first responders, law enforcement officers, etc. because in doing so, we fulfill what’s asked of us. Until Covid-19 retreats, we must stand our ground. Mercy and healing will ultimately come from God. We just ask to be that sand mirror that reflects His Grace. May God bless us all!