Thursday 26th March Spring Sunshine

Since my last Blog things have changed drastically for all of us in the UK. On Monday Boris Johnson announced the restrictions that would be placed upon us all. These will be reviewed in 3 weeks but will probably last for at least 12. I was glad that I had done quite a bit of shopping for myself and my Mum during the day on Monday - just before the restrictions were announced. As soon as I heard the announcement I drove over with some essentials to our daughter's in Manchester realising that we wouldn't be able to see them for a long time to come. All the way over I was nervously watching out for Police cars, thinking that I could be challenged and fined. I felt relieved on the way back, but also full of apprehension about the future.
As Tuesday morning dawned I realised it was the first day of a new way of living. The beautiful spring sunshine  was a blessing, but it seemed real contrast with the mood of the country. We all knew that the reason for these restrictions was to prevent the spread of the deadly Corona virus - an unseen enemy that was as a big a threat to us as a declaration of war. No one born since 1950 can recall the experience of living in a country at war or under the years of rationing that followed.
For me the thought of living off the food we have in the house without daily visits to a shop felt highly unusual.
The days seem to have settled down into something of a routine: work emails and phone calls for most of the morning, a quick walk in the afternoon, back to the computer until its time for the daily press conference from Downing Street, then tea followed by something on TV or from the vast DVD collection to cheer us up in the evening.
The best phone calls are the ones to Church people; I am trying to keep in touch - especially with those who aren't on email. Everyone is so positive and encouraging, cheerful and determined to cope with whatever is going on.
Walking around the local area I have seen a lot of windows with hand drawn rainbows. These signs of hope - originating from God's promise to Noah - are an encouragement to all of us. This time will eventually end; beyond the pain, suffering and loss there will be new life. Maybe life will be better in some ways  if we learn the right lessons from this time. Those lessons could include valuing each other, our neighbours and the simple gifts of food and drink. Making bread and preparing homemade soup have been simple pleasures for me.
I think we are all learning to appreciate those who work for the NHS in any capacity. Awareness that they are putting their lives at risk for us helps us realise the sacrifices they make. They are fulfilling the words of Jesus that the greatest love is laying down one's life for others. We should also be grateful to our supermarket checkout workers and shelf stackers. They are keeping our food supply flowing, but are sadly facing abuse from some customers. Previously seen as "unskilled" workers and paid a low wage we now realise that they are actually essential to our needs. In the dentist's waiting room on Monday we all talked to each other as the old car magazines had been recycled due to contamination risk. One of the patients was a lorry driver who is driving 15 hours a day, 5 days a week to keep our shelves full. Another person to thank for their dedication to meeting our needs.
A highlight of the last few days has been watching the last episode of  the BBC mock documentary "This Country". The conversations and interplay between Kerry, Kurtan and the Vicar have been priceless and very true to life. There is a lot of swearing in the programme (even one mild swear word from the Vicar) but it can't detract from the brilliance of the writing and and the perceptive humour. The reactions of Kerry and Kurtan to the Vicar's departure, and his own heart searching and anxieties felt very close to home for me, having moved Circuits just two and a half years ago. Try to find it on catch up!

Comments

  1. Thanks Peter, it is a strange time but lots of signs of hope too. Families having to talk to each other, spend time together, appreciate each other and friends. I've never seen so many people exercising! We can take positives from it.

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    1. Thank you Dave, I appreciate your feedback. I hope you keep well; I am sure you are making good use of the time to keep up with your research and writing!

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