For months now, we have been told to wash our hands, practice social distancing, stay at home, to isolate if we are sick, to wear a mask, and to keep each other safe. This is the main way to keep each other safe during the pandemic. Unfortunately though some have not listened. Police are still called to quash big parties. People are still socializing in each other's homes despite the government warnings. Some churches still meet all the while disregarding the government rules on limits, masks, and distancing. Some stores are ignoring capacity laws and are allowing as many shoppers in as they can. Is it any wonder that we are back to Stage 1 of AHS' reopening plan today. All of the infractions listed above are keeping the Corona Virus alive and well in our country.
Like many of you, I am sick of the restrictions. I want to meet with my friends again. I want to share coffee and conversations with my parishoners before and after church like we used to. I want to have people in pews when I preach. I'd like to know when I can visit the grocery store and not worry about wearing a mask. I would love to be able to get aboard a plane or even drive to somewhere else. I wish this could all be over.
However, I know that the virus is out there and it is real. I know people who have become ill from COVID. I am lucky in that no one in my circle of friends has died from COVID but it might happen still as hospitalizations and ICU admissions grow. So I will continue to mask. I will continue to social distance. I will stay home. I will not socialize in homes. I will continue to do online services. I will continue to obey the rules. Yes I might be sick of the restrictions. However, these restrictions are there to keep others and myself safe. Keep well my friends. Blessings.
