Plague Journal (12) : Think on these things

Here at the end of March, knowing that this hunkering down is going to last at least another month, I'm beginning to think I need to make better use of my time. I've spent an awful lot of time, these last couple of weeks, browsing the Internet, scrolling through Facebook, and playing a silly puzzle game on my phone. I need to put some limits on that, and instead get a little exercise, because in addition to all that I'm eating a lot more. The Facebook memes about getting fat while hunkering down are legion, so I know I'm not the only one.

A crisis is supposed to remind us all about what's important in life, and it's a reminder we all need. We walk away from a friend's funeral, wiping the tears away and promising ourselves to stop wasting our lives, but then, in time, the old you settles back into his proverbial easy-chair of life, checking his Twitter feed.

Remember your loved ones frequently and call them. Do the little things that bring you joy. Tend to your own health and happiness and that of those you love. Do the things you've learned to do to fight off ennui and depression. I think this advice from the Apostle Paul is quite relevant. He suggests we think about the following:

• whatever is true
• whatever is honorable
• whatever is just
• whatever is pure
• whatever is lovely
• whatever is commendable
• anything excellent
• anything worthy of praise

Think about these things. Remind yourself of them. Dwell on them. Share them on your social media. Praise them. Be thankful to God for them. These things will buoy up your heart, even in this time of hunkering down. "And the God of peace will be with you." [Philippians 4:8,9]