COVID People

Chara, our English Springer Spaniel, is a COVID dog. A COVID dog is a dog welcomed into their family during COVID season. COVID dogs are different than other dogs. They are anxious when their people leave. They struggle with attachment disorder, unreasonable expectations and tend to freak out with excitement when people knock at the door.

We’re learning to break the cycle of our COVID dog. She’s got unreasonable expectations that we can't possibly meet. We’re not always there for her beckoning call.

Hey, did you ever think that we’re COVID people? We don’t think about it now, but five or ten years from now, we’ll look back and reminisce about our COVID days. How did we handle COVID? What did we learn? What bad habits did we pick up?

It occurred to me that Chara has a good habit that I like! Chara loves being right beside us. Non-stop presence. If one of us moves about the house, Chara goes too. If we go outside, Chara goes outside. She doesn’t want to be out of our sight. She's a COVID dog.

With COVID, I’ve needed God more than ever! The isolation part of COVID has been tough for me. But, I’ve made it a point to start my day reading the Bible, being in God’s presence and praying. I’ve learned over the years that God’s presence is ALWAYS with me. So, I can invite Him into my day, ask Him questions, pray throughout the day and wait for His response. Non-stop presence with the God of the universe! That’s pretty amazing!

It reminds me of a classic book by Brother Lawrence, called The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence died over 325 years ago, but his teachings about prayer are just as relevant today as they were back then. Brother Lawrence spent much of his life working in a kitchen as a dishwasher. But during his menial tasks, Brother Lawrence discovered a profound truth. You can experience God’s presence anywhere. Here are a few quotes from Brother Lawrence:

“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence, by continually conversing with Him.”

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.”

“The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God- that is, every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you.”

As you start this day, do you know that the God of the universe wants to walk with you too? Invite Him!

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.