COVID-19 and a time for reflection

It entered our world silently

We carried on watching it surreptitiously

“Thank God it has nothing to do with us,” we said

And thanked our lucky stars before going to bed

Yet, as we watched, it came closer

And descended upon us causing us to quiver and shudder.

Now many months on still in lockdown

Have we been shaken, fearful, confused or bowed down? Are we asking how long?

Or when will ‘normal’ be reborn?

Have I used these days for self reflection

Or simply hoping for a vaccine or injection?

What was, ......was

The now, is what it is

The future I have no control over

Let me see if we, yes we, can be better the world over Deep within God speaks to my heart

“It’s time to change,” He whispers, so sit you awhile apart Pondering still and on deeper reflection I see what can be Each of us transformed and oh, so, so much better you see.

Reclaiming creation in its beauty and grandeur

Being stewards of our earth in ways we can render Treating each other with love and respect

Reaching to the other with compassion and no regret Stopping our madness of busyness and squander

Rather slowing down to care and to be found oh so much kinder

Being my brother’s keeper, never counting the cost Learning contentment, with much, much less.

So COVID-19 thank you for lessons taught

As I’ve looked at myself and our world, with new eyes and a heart Keep changing me O God and transform my thinking

Life’s never been about me, but about You, and my neighbours Grow our world and its people into a ‘ new normal ‘ Where neighbour and neighbour the whole world over

Will stop suspicion and embrace the good

When life is never about stocking up our food.

May compassion and kindness be our creed

In a world that for too long has been lost in greed!

Sarla Williams

Via email