Contagious

I recently heard someone say in this time of pandemic, be contagious. Not something we would normally expect to hear these days, but he’s so right.

There are so many things we can’t do these days: we can’t meet friends, partake in certain activities, can’t hug- we can’t do some of what makes us human.

Unless you are living under a rock, we are all aware we are currently living in a pandemic due to a contagion, Covid 19. This unwanted disease has robbed us of so many things, including in many ways our freedom. We cannot go places, visit friends or family, at times even to the point of staying put at home.

We have learned that this disease is spread by air and contact, affecting areas of some who contact it that are surprising. Essentially this disease can affect any part of your body from your limbs to your tastebuds.

This unexpected virus came out of nowhere in many ways. We weren’t ready to receive it, yet here we are. It has taken over our lives and changed them in so many ways, from our activities to our focus. Whether we wanted it to or not, we have all been affected.

Needless to say, I was quite surprised to hear someone say in a time of pandemic at should be contagious. This is generally the last thing we want these days, to be one considered contagious!

Over the course of the pandemic we have chosen a family or individual to bless with something. Each weekend save for a few we head out, gift in hand, in the hopes of bringing some sunshine to these dark days. The gifts vary, from baking to crafts to plants to wine depending on what I feel led to give this person or family.

I felt led to do this all the way back in March, that we were all in need of some encouragement in uncertain times. The pandemic was taking over and no one knew what was happening, we needed a different focus, even for a few moments. I never expected the that we would still be delivering nearly a year later!

There have been times where to be honest I don’t want to go out to deliver, I don’t feel I can come up with another idea that feels appropriate, but then I remember it’s not about me. It’s about spreading joy, about picking people up when they may be down. I have had positive reactions and feedback from so many it keeps me going when I feel like staying home.

I know that, even if for only a short time, these small tokens encourage my friends and family. My hope is that it doesn’t stop there but that somehow it’s passed along, whether by a kind word to another, added patience, or paying it forward.

I believe that our thoughts and attitudes can be contagious to those around. We can spend our time focusing on the chaos around us, or on what is good. And when we focus on this good it affects our outlook, our day, and in turn those around us.

So let’s all aim to be contagious! Let’s aim to spread joy and peace instead of chaos and stress.