There is a blessing to being a widow and living alone. I have no real commitments on a daily basis and no major interruptions. Templeton is my only daily interruption as I stop what I’m working on to give him attention when he wants it. He and I are two elderly beings hanging out together in our last season of life. We give each other comfort and a form of companionship.
But I got off track. The blessing I wanted to mention is how I can escape from the doom and terror of what is being shown in the news and on social media. I will scroll through the news feed on my computer before I begin writing my post each day. When finished I have to pray to lift my spirit! I need to remind myself God is still in control. I need to turn away from feelings of future fear and place my trust in Him. I need to take several deep, calming breaths.
I believe it is important to stay abreast of what’s happening, but not to dwell on it or in it. This is how I survived the worst of the pandemic. It is how I’m surviving today. I spend my day with God, reading the Bible, praying, writing, and coloring. I exercise. I’m thankful for the little things as well as the big. I look at the yellow vase with the lavender silk roses from my great granddaughter and I smile. God has blessed me.
I’m writing this mostly to those who are retired, widows, and widowers who might be allowing life to consume them with dire future outlooks. Those who let worry become a roommate. Life is not easy for any of us, but if we look up and don’t dwell on “what might be” due to worldly events, we can find comfort and peace.
I’m fortunate to be in this season of life. Not many are. I pray for those who must go to work each day, who are raising children, and for the young and vulnerable. They are in my daily prayers.
Carol Ann Erhardt, Author 