One Year In

 

One Year In

 

By John W. Vander Velden

 Hard to imagine that we have lived a full year beneath the shadow of COVID-19. It certainly has not been the situation we would have chosen for those twelve months. There was little ordinary about the bulk of 2020. And 2021’s early months have continued the trend. Most of us know victims of this disease that has swept the world. And each of us know the name of at least one that had lost the battle, taken too soon. 

But where do we find ourselves…today. 

We have become numb to the shock and aw of what has been the sudden unknown thrust into our lives. Seeing covered faces is no longer an odd experience. The term “social distance” has been added to our vocabulary. Most have hand sanitizer at the ready. Talk of vaccination scheduling is heard often. But too often we hear the words like, I wish things would get back to normal.   

It is certainly the wish we all share. That our lives return to the pre-COVID world. Personally, I had believed that with last summer’s sun the danger would dissipate. Silly me. Researching the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 opened my eyes to the likely possibility of a longer crisis. Recently the number of COVID fatalities has passed 500K. No matter what your view is on that count, the number reveals too many heartbreaks of the many families that face the loss of friends, parents, children, siblings, co-workers, and neighbors. 

Thankfully the numbers are trending downward, and with the commitment of EACH of us that trend SHOULD continue. 

We have suffered a year. If EVERYONE does their part, then together we can overcome this disease. Let us take the small and sometimes uncomfortable tasks to help one another. NO ONE enjoys wearing a mask, but I can tell you, from my family’s own experience, it HELPS. It helps those that wear the face covering and it helps those they meet. Follow the social distancing guidelines. Surely, we long to, once again, hug our extended family members and others we love.

Friends, the opportunity will return. 

There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel, it grows brighter every day. Millions have been vaccinated…millions more will need to receive their shots for “herd immunity” to become the virus slayer needed. 

Last week I received my first COVID shot. I look forward to the second piercing of the arm only weeks away. Science offers me, and others as well, a likely escape from this pandemic. Yet, time will tell of the vaccine’s success. But I will do my part…for my family…for yours. 

One year in and the world is a different place. 

But together we WILL defeat COVID, if each of us does what is needed, even at times when doing so is painful…uncomfortable…difficult. For nothing worth achieving has ever come easily or without price. 

Now that we are, all of us, one year in, I promise you that I will do my part as best as I am able. To carry my share of the burden. To set aside my personal wants, of gathering with others, of traveling to the distant places I love, and even to visit my son out of state, until I am certain I cannot be a factor in COVID’s spread. Those are the promises I make, because I believe I MUST do my part. 

Will you not promise to do the same…

 

(570 Words) 3-4-2021

Christmas 2020

 

Christmas 2020

By John W. Vander Velden

 

We have endured a year like none we have ever experienced before. COVID has had an effect on nearly every aspect of our lives. Now, as the numbers of those that suffer from the disease rise to new heights, we understand the need to gather differently this year. For most of us the season normally offers opportunities we can share with the special people of our lives. Often those who live miles away and make the effort to travel to join in the festivities.

Saddened that many of us will not be able to take part in activities that have long been part of our lives, we may feel that Christmas isn’t what it was...or what it should be. And I can tell you that, this year, we will be missing many opportunities to gather as family and friends. Yet it does not feel, in this household in any case, a burden beyond our abilities to bear. For our view is broader than the brief disappointment of crushed plans. We understand that these are difficult times and the needs of the world far outweigh our own personal desires.

For Jackie and I, it has long been our aspiration to understand what our household can do to be helpful to others. To see a broader observation of reality than our own pinhole prick view. A willingness to care about others as well as ourselves.

Isn’t this the perfect season for us to do just a little more...care a bit deeper. For wasn’t Christ sent to live among humanity, not for his own benefit but ours. Didn’t HE at last give up his life...a sacrifice for the very people that drove the nails into his precious body?

So as we dwell on what will not be part of Christmas 2020, let us not forget what the season means. For Christmas comes, COVID or not! Christmas is so much more than shared meals, more than gifts given and received, more than parties, more than ugly sweaters. It is the joyous celebration that reminds us that GOD so loved the world (us) that HE sent HIS SON to be born. To be born in the most humble places, to become human in the same way that you and I began our lives. That GOD revealed HIS SON to the humble shepherds and later to grand kings. These are the things that make up Jackie’s and my Christmas. It is our hope that it is the very foundation stones of your Christmas as well.

So we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

For Christmas comes...no matter what!

Blessings,

John

 

(434 Words) 12-18-2020

 

Living Beneath the Shadow of COVID

 

Living Beneath the Shadow of COVID         

By John W. Vander Velden

 

What have you learned during these difficult months we have lived beneath the shadow 
of Covid-19.

That was the question that was asked of church leaders of my denomination. Though some that know me might be surprised that John would be found among those in that category, yet in truth I am. So when I was asked this very important question I responded with the following words.

 

1^st in the general scope of things, I have been reminded that things can suddenly change in ways unexpected. I did not imagine that something as Covid-19 could so dramatically change the world as I knew it. And I saw how it could change the lives of each of us―my family and myself included. Since I am retired from my lifelong career and worked to accomplish much of what I do at home, my life changed less than others. But I witnessed the change in the patterns of what might have been normal evaporate. I learned that life can go on―if we share the burden. For it was obvious some faced a much more difficult scenario than others.

2^nd I learned it is important that someone remind those around us that Covid-19 is a temporary situation. To be a source of realistic optimism. For the unknown is frightening. I learned that the tension of fear is exhausting. I have observed how the frustration of these unknown times feeds anger, and that too often rage is directed at anyone handy. I have observed that anger seems to be as contagious as the virus which causes the unwanted changes in the first place.

3^rd I learned that we must learn new ways to serve our LORD and SAVIOR. That worship is more than a place. That it is MY obligation to care MORE for others in ways I had not thought of before. That I am OBLIGATED to reach out in new ways. That even within the framework of social distancing things can be done and MUST.

4^th I have come to believe that someone or something must bridge the divide that has torn society into bitter factions. That US AGAINST YOU accomplishes nothing. That we must do our best to be a calming voice within the storm of rhetoric driven by fear and anger. And until a louder voice than mine becomes bold enough to remind our neighbors and all those around our country, that WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, it falls on my shoulders to speak those words.

Hopefully friends you find something within these ramblings that might be helpful.

Blessings,

John

I put these few words together last summer, yet they remain true. The months since have only reinforced those things I have learned, as I continue to live, always in consideration of others. For we are responsible for more than ourselves, and our actions...each one...affect so many others.

So I await until the moment comes that Covid-19 is no more than a memory, knowing that if we stand together it will be sooner than later. But if we become selfish and headstrong, abandoning the small things that each of can do, then it will likely take much longer.

So I remember the words of Tom Hanks... “Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and wear a mask, it really isn’t complicated.” And thank you Tom for what each of us must do really isn’t complicated at all.

(577 Words) 10-2-2020

  

April Open Spaces 20.4

Open Spaces

Vol.: 20.4

By John W. Vander Velden

April 22, 2020

Greetings, how are you holding up?

During this time of unprecedented events, things are not the way they were just a couple of months ago. It seems most of us fall into two categories, those deemed essential and those not.

Yet none of us march onward in the same pattern that had been our lives. Perhaps you are among those that continue to work. On one hand you are grateful for being able to earn your salary, but you are also concerned about those you work with, or others that pass a bit too close, or those you need to serve. Do you work in health care? Do you fear that you might bring this illness home?

Of course you take precautions...But.

Or are you among those asked to remain in your home. The mail hasn’t stopped, and bills continue to come, don’t they? While you remain within your home, perhaps surrounded by others of your family, you wonder how long this situation must continue, and will you be able to pay your obligations?

The whole world seems shifted.

Have faith dear friends, this situation will not go on forever. Yet even so we wonder what the “new normal” will be when Covid-19 is but a memory.

Hold your head up for you have faced changes before. You have the strength and the ability to go boldly forward. Remember how frightening it was to graduate from high school. Attending classes had been such a large part of your life. Why even summer break was tempered by the knowledge that classes would began again in August or September. And though, with your graduation, you might not have known what lay in your immediate future, and how you would get through them, weren’t you excited about the prospects? The unknowns of life are a bit scary, but remember we are not alone...never alone.

For even the most of the home bound have their family, and those that do not can reach out to others. Think about the ways we can communicate with one another. At our fingertips are access points to the world beyond. Technology our grandparents couldn’t imagine. Now is a great time to reach out to friends half a world away, or family that may be nearby but have drifted out of touch. So reach out...do it.

And know that you are not the only one that face these difficult times. We, all of us, one way or the other, are like you, dealing day by day with this crisis. But on those times you feel most alone, never forget God is there with you, closer than your next breath.

As for this writer, my life has been altered less than most. And among those changes is a bit more time. Not a great deal but a few hours a week. I have used that “extra” time for two things. One: keyboarding... or writing. Even my stumbling fingers have been able to add pages to my current project.  Two: I have taken some of time to learn a bit of “new stuff”. Dabbled a bit in video conferencing in case the need comes up, and posted my first video, a virtual Author’s Event, on Facebook.

I will leave it to those that have viewed those phone filmed minutes to decide if I had been effective. Jackie was surprised by my boldness. In truth so was I. But I hope to try it again...and soon.

So the author part of me remains busy. And even as the first draft, of project that presently has my focus, approaches 350 pages, I look forward to the next step at its completion. For my mind is filled with stories demanding to be told, and as long as God gives me breath and the energy I hope to share some of them with you one day.

It seems I have babbled TOO long so I must end this letter to you my dear friends. I thank each of you that have read Misty Creek or Elizabeth’s Journey. I want to thank you for the positive words you have given, whether in person, on social media, by mail, or by e-mail. THANK YOU ALL!

Take care and stay well,

Blessings,

John