The Blessings of Covid

One of the foundational principles of Productive Environment Institute is "Everything will turn out in the end. Otherwise, it isn't the end yet." The 14 days that I spent diagnosed with Covid quarantined on the 2nd floor of our home, with my husband on the 1st floor, praying that he would stay healthy, gave me ample opportunity to live that principle - and ultimately, to experience that truth. 

My symptoms were not life-threatening, and I had ample opportunity to spend quiet time with no plan, which turned out to be such a blessing. I have tried to write a daily journal for years since many people I admire swear by the practice, but with no consistent success. For some reason, I decided that during my 14-day quarantine, I was going to write something every day in a journal. I chose a journal called "Great Expectations." Even the name of the journal gave me hope! The message from Dr. Jeremiah on the first page said, "As you use this journal, I pray you are reminded that God is faithful and that the promises found in His Word give us great expectations for our lives." It is such an appropriate message for these uncertain times. 

So this week, I thought I would share a few of the insights I experienced and can remember because of my journal:

Ironically, the first was a webinar called "Systematic Corruption of Modern Medicine" presented by Logan Christopher (www.LoganChristopher.com). I say "ironic" because I received compassionate and skilled support from my colleague and homeopath, Abby Marks Beale, a non-traditional approach. 

In discussion with my cousin, I learned that my Uncle Dave, a medical doctor and missionary, said 30 years ago that all the medical specialties that were developing would be the end of trustworthy medical care. I can think of several examples where that has proven accurate. 

When I felt exhausted but couldn't sleep, I would listen to the audiobook, Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge. His soothing voice with the words of Jesus comforted my soul and my body. 

Before my diagnosis, I had started a Bible-in-a-Year reading plan by Nicky Gumbel. (I didn't realize it at the time I made that choice that Nicky was the founder of Alpha, a program my mother led in her community shortly before she died.) The lesson on my first day of quarantine discussed Genesis 18:15: Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? What better message for these days of Covid, political upheaval, and racial unrest? 

I enjoyed several movies, including: 

 "A Most Beautiful Thing" is the story of the Manley High rowing team, a group of young black men from the West Side of Chicago who became unexpected best friends on the water.

"The Boy with the Striped Pajamas" is a Holocaust drama that relates the horror of a Nazi extermination camp through the eyes of two 8-year-old boys; Bruno, the son of the camp's Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish inmate.

"The Education of Little Tree" is the inspiring story of an 8-year-old Cherokee boy who loses his parents during The Great Depression and begins living with his Indian grandparents and learning the Cherokee way of life. 

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French fashion Elle magazine, who has a devastating stroke at age 43. His brain stem damage results in locked-in syndrome, allowing him to communicate solely by blinking one eye, but he uses that ability to write his memoir. 

I listened to or read several books, but the most powerful experience of all was listening to the audiobook The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. A moving memoir based on the author's experiences as a Holocaust survivor who, at 92, just released her second book and still practices as a psychologist. Dr. Eger's book illustrates that the one freedom no one can take away is our ability to hope. I can't think of a more powerful message in today's uncertain world. 

I take great comfort from the words of Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (KJV) 

Productive Environment Institute is passionate about helping people find their purpose! Often it starts by clearing the overwhelm from your life. If you would like a complimentary Discovery Session to see if our services can help you, check out www.ProductiveEnvironmentScore.com. 

P.S. The photo is the view from my bed for 14 days!