Grateful Heart :

Reflections on a covid Encounter

This is the first time I have written in about one and one-half months. It seems like forever and is a story in progress…

Hello everyone. You haven’t heard from me in a while as my energy has been in high demand elsewhere. I experienced firsthand a mid-air collision with a certain virus that is making its rounds lately in my part of life’s community.

In my close encounter with covid over the past month, I am learning and appreciating so many simple things and have embraced even more treasures of life than ever before.

Here are some of them:

(1) Our bodies are magnificent creations that are wonderfully and fearfully made, equipped with tremendous immune systems made in the image of their Creator. There is so much power in blessing them and thanking them for their service to us. I will never take mine for granted again…not that I ever really did. Let’s just say I have such a deepened appreciation for the amazing temple I live in.

(2) The energy level that it takes to live moment to moment with fuel that is burning without our awareness. When our bodies are fighting an intruder, often there is nothing left to do other things like call, text, write, think, not sleep. I am so very grateful for every bit of replenished energy with which to live and love and have my being.

(3) The power of love and prayer from dear family and friends on my behalf. I could feel it in palpable ways. strength went into me and continues to do so. Do not ever underestimate the power that comes through you to others when loving and standing on their behalf.

(4) Truly, it is God’s breath in my lungs.

(5) My Papa in Heaven loves me fiercely and knows my love language and how to communicate with me in intentional and specific ways. On one of my roughest nights with fevers, coughing, vomiting and pain, I had a dream that interrupted the accompanying weariness and numbness of soul with a deep undergirding encouragement…literally, courage put back into me in a very tangible, specific and targeted way.

In my dream, my earthly Dad who was 85 years old when he died, was suddenly standing at my right hand, appearing to be about 50 years old and lively. His smile penetrated deep to the inside of me and actually felt like an infusion of life and light. He was wearing a two-piece crimson red jogging outfit. With a twinkle in his eye, he exclaimed but one sentence to me, “I’ve been working out!”

Now, I had never know my Dad to work out and quickly realized this was a message designed for me at this crucial time. Dreams are usually about the dreamer and symbolic. I woke up with a smile, a tear rolling down my cheek and an inner knowing, “this was you, God, wasn’t it?”

God had used my personal father figure to represent Himself. He was clothed in the crimson red color of Jesus’ blood which is all powerful for healing and restoration. His words were a message that He had been “working out all things on my behalf and for my good.” An inner knowing instructed me that this included healing that was in progress even if I could not feel it. This went to the core of my being as I slowly realized this is an actual scripture verse, (Romans 8:28.)

Later that day more encouragement came as I remembered more verses from many years ago. “I have set the Lord before me always. He is at my right hand. I won’t be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, my glory rejoices, even my flesh will dwell securely. You will make known to me the path of life. In you is fullness of joy…” (Psalms 16:8)

Power for living and power for healing in midst of this unprecedented weakness was being communicated to me. My heart being grateful is an understatement. Learning to be patient with myself has become wisdom in everyday life, just like deep breaths, sitting outside in the sun and walks at sunset.

Oh yes, … and just like having the creative energy to write once again. Thank-you so much for listening to my journey. God bless you.