I have come to fall in love with teaching in Catholic schools. What are YOU in love with?...

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." - Pedro Arrupe

Friday, March 20, 2020

Grace in a time of COVID-19

Aside from seeing my roommate (who is leaving to go to her parents' place for a few days), I have not been in normal contact or conversation with anyone outside of virtual chats, Zoom calls, or FaceTime.

One thing I have done regularly, though, is go outside for either a run or a walk (or two) every day. And on these excursions, without fail to this point, I have encountered a friend - one from ACE, one from my church Sunday night prayer group, and one parent from my previous school. And let me tell you - those short encounters have been true moments of grace from God.

Each interaction was brief.
No hugs were given.
But real conversation happened; we were present in that moment.
And it was wonderful.

In this time of uncertainty and isolation, I find consolation in these moments.
And I find grace in a time of COVID-19.

A little extra time these days...

Why, hello there. It's been awhile. But, you know, with this whole social distancing thing, I'm suddenly finding more time on my hands (while also realizing why I like to keep somewhat to moderately busy during the week)...

How are you?

There's a lot to take in - from the news, from texts from family and friends, from social media. I find it all quite overwhelming, especially as we strive to support our students, families, and teachers in this e-learning experience. It's a big learning curve, I assure you, and I know everyone is adjusting and doing the best they can.

And, can I just say, thank goodness for modern technology?! I just got off a Zoom room call with about 10 of my 7th grade religion students, and it was SO good for the soul to see their faces, hear their voices, and have a conversation (even when they tried to talk over one another). On a side note, I also had a virtual happy hour the other night with my sister and several friends - what a lifesaver!

In reflection this past week, I've come to realize that it's amazing how much I take for granted. And I sincerely hope that once our world has recovered from this pandemic that I make a conscious effort not to do that again. My students & school families, my colleagues, my family (who I now won't be seeing for Easter 😢), my friends (near and far), my prayer groups, my gym, and, perhaps most of all, church - these are people and things I sincerely miss, and I know others are missing their respective people, places, and activities as well.

As this gets worse before it gets better, let's take a moment to pray for and remember the healthcare workers and those who are still reporting to their jobs so that we can work from the comfort of our homes. So many people are making sacrifices and so many people are without any human contact. This is truly a hard time for everyone.

I hope you are healthy and well. Be safe everyone.