Good Vibrations
This week I am recovering from Covid. I mounted a fever, didn’t eat, and barely got out of bed for two days. Even reading an Elly Griffiths murder mystery offered only marginal relief: For most of the week, I couldn’t even get through a whole chapter without nodding off. Normally I am so eager to find out just how Dr. Ruth Galloway and Nelson are going to navigate their complicated relationship. And what of the ongoing political dance of the police department? And when will the enigmatic Cathbad make a dramatic and usually salvific appearance? The murder needs to be solved, too, of course, but that’s not usually the compelling part for me. I’m interested in the characters, whose stories get woven from book to book.
Things are beginning to improve for me, but now my husband is showing signs of becoming sick. So, in balance, this has not been a fun week.
But here is one amazing and good thing: Our refrigerator is stocked with stews, soups, salads of various kinds, milk, and even a rotisserie chicken — all graciously delivered by friends. The bread box is filled with bread and muffins, and there are cookies on the counter. One friend brought MusinexDM and Paul Newmans lemonade (which I heat up in the microwave and add a teaspoon of honey for a soothing drink — hot lemonade being a trick I learned from my mother). I know if I need something, all I have to do is reach out and ask. We are well cared for. We are so blessed.
All of this generosity has me thinking about a recent blog post from Nadia Bolz-Weber in which she listed a series of things that are still happening and encouraged her readers to add to the list. I know I missed a slew of bad news this week as I drifted in and out of sleep, and I guess I am not so eager to find out the bad stuff that happened. For example, is there still any money in my retirement account? Who knows? Doom will probably catch up with me sooner or later. Instead, taking a page out of Nadia Bolz-Weber’s book, I would rather think about the good that is still happening in my life and in the world. So, giving Nadia Bolz-Weber full credit for the idea, here’s my start at creating a similar list. It’s in no particular order.
Generosity and kindness are still happening.
Soup is still happening. And all manner of nourishing food.
Spring is still happening, despite the snow that is falling outside my kitchen window today. Crocuses have bloomed in my yard.
Rhubarb is still happening.
My cat is still happening, despite his terrible health scare of a couple of weeks ago.
Purring is still happening.
Music is still happening.
Humor is still happening.
The internet is still happening, bringing my words to you and your responses to me.
Head Start is still happening, and as soon as I get over Covid I can resume taking one of my favorite 4-year-olds in the whole world to school there a few days a week.
Lemonade is still happening. And so is honey. And so is my microwave!
My washing machine is still happening — a good thing after a fever-filled week of sweaty sheets!
My dishwasher is still happening.
My church is still happening, and now it even happens online, so I can attend when I am sick. I love my church.
Tissues are still happening.
Weekly curbside pickup is still happening.
Bloggers like Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Hubbell, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Robert Reich, and more are still happening.
Birds are still happening.
Books are still happening.
Poetry is still happening…even poetry that isn’t AI-generated!
Courage is still happening. Look and you will find it. When you find it, you can emulate it.
Babies are still happening.
Love is still happening.
Blessed friends are still happening.
What is still happening in your world? Can you add to the list? List only the good stuff. We hear enough about the bad. I know there’s a way to add a comment through Substack, but don’t ask me how. If that’s too hard to figure out, just send me an email, and (if you want me to) I will add what you say to the comment section here. I look forward to hearing whatever is still happening for you. These are tough days we are living through. It’s important to take a break to keep our spirits up.
Remember the Beach Boys? Good Vibrations? That’s what I hope to send all of you today (even though their “official video” is a little odd, the music is good!): The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Official Music Video)
Love,
Sylvia
I love your list of good things and could repeat many of them. My best thing is, that 5 weeks out, my right knee replacement feels so much better than before surgery that I look forward to getting my painful left knee done in Oct. PT and recovery is painful, but 6 weeks is a short time after a few years of painful knees. I look forward to being able to walk around my yard, in the woods, on the beach, and other places without constant pain. HOPE and joy.
YOU are still happening!