I have learned over the last 30 years that complying does not come as my natural bend. I have learned how to stretch the box of compliance but still live within it. I would say, for the most part, this character trait has helped me to get where I am today.
And yet, this question floods my thoughts in this time of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not a question that I engage with a sense of adventure or bettering myself or my staff for something awaiting on the horizon.
The complying I reflect on incessantly now is permeating every bit of my routine.
What does social distancing look like when I run an essential business?
What does stay home mean when I have clients who are out of their incontinence products?
I understand we are supposed to be only with those in our household, but what if one lives alone?
Is there a way to create an acceptable small group/household? Some of these compliance questions come from real scenarios, and some come from the restlessness of my soul?
Yes, Visiting Angels of West Michigan continues to provide care for our clients. Caregivers venture out every day to ensure the wellbeing of our community. The phone rings, and people need to start services, primarily because other services have been stopped. The reality also remains that Cancer and Parkinsons and Strokes continue to happen, and families need support, regardless of the risks of COVID-19.
There are so many ramifications to all that is unfolding around us every day. I am more convicted of my calling to serve the vulnerable and/or aging population more now than ever.
But then there is the time I am home. I wonder about what is permitted. I wonder where the loopholes are, and I find myself wondering what compliance looks like. I came to some clarity last night. Not sure precisely what crystalized my thoughts, but it became evident to me that loopholes are not what this is about.
Do not meet with friends, do not push the limits, do not venture out cause you are bored or restless, or feeling exceptionally resilient.
When I speak with our clients, they often reference that they trust their Caregivers. I remind them this is not about trust. This COVID-19 is indiscriminate to everything and everyone. This disease is not about who we are or where we come from, where we work, our education, our race, our age, or our socio-economic status, or anything else that defines or describes us.
This disease is rampant among us, and perhaps compliance is the only thing that might give us an edge on it. I get a little benauwd ( a dutch word translated as stuffy, stifling, or oppressive) when I think of staying home and away from my community (Mom and siblings included) for 4 to 8 more weeks.
But perhaps this isn’t about me right now.
Perhaps this is a season I am going to learn more about choosing compliance for the greater good. I can navigate my business needs from my home and support my fantastic staff in so many ways. I can write cards and send mail, I can go for walks and work in my yard. I can offer encouragement and support and appreciation for all those on the front lines. As my Mom said tonight, two or three months in our lifetime is not so significant, but we agreed it is best to take these next months one day at a time!
Praying for peace, comfort, healing for all God’s people all over the world.
Blessed Be His Name
Well written Trish! Fred and I just finished reading. Thanks! Hope your day goes well! FaceTime with us sometime if you like 🤗
MEK
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You are such a good encourager, thank you, I needed this today Trish!
On Mon, Mar 30, 2020, 9:31 PM Journey to my heart…. wrote:
> trishborgdorff posted: ” I have learned over the last 30 years that > complying does not come as my natural bend. I have learned how to stretch > the box of compliance but still live within it. I would say, for the most > part, this character trait has helped me to get where I am tod” >