I asked my students with regards to their coping mechanism during this time of quarantine (ECQ, GCQ). Here are some of their answers: watching Korean dramas, doing tiktok, gardening, cooking, engaging in arts, singing, learning how to bake, praying and attending livestream masses, and the like. Really, it is so tough facing this crisis — we need to be physically and mentally sound.
I considered myself tough in a different situation but this time of quarantine for more than three months already, honestly I am experiencing quarantine fatigue. Sometimes I am questioning myself if I could endure or not due to my pre-existing health condition. However, I am doing my best to strengthen my immune system and embolden my spirit. I do exercise especially walking, reading books, and keep on praying for the wisdom, courage, strength and grace. Just as a saint said: “Work as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on God”.
I read somewhere a story which is similar to the song: “Footprints in the Sand”. It goes like this — A man who had finished his life went before God. And God reviewed his life and showed him the many lessons he had learned. When He has finished, God said, “My child, is there anything you wish to ask?” And the man said, “While You were showing my life, I noticed that when the times were pleasant there were two sets of footprints, and I knew You walked beside me. But when times were difficult there was only one set of footprints. Why, Father, did You desert me during the difficult times?” And God said, “You misinterpret, my son. It is true that when the times were pleasant I walked beside you and pointed out the way. But when the times were difficult, I carried you.”
Many of us have a lot of questions nowadays especially on the question-why? We feel abandoned, angry, scared, anxious and other pent-up emotions. There are a lot things beyond our comprehension. We are becoming stressful day by day because of quarantine… It’s good that there a people who in one way or another become the source of my strength and inspiration to go and never give up like my brother priests in the parish Frs. Bogie Tan, Gerry Masangya and Arun Thomas; my staff who sees to it that I am taking my medicines; the kind and generous friends and parishioners; my students for their efforts and struggles in fulfilling the requirements; and all the positive people out there.
One of the scriptural verses which is memorable to me is from Isaiah 49:15 “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, I will never forget you.” I like this verse because in my entire life I have had encountered trials and difficulties but I am still here alive and kicking. I thank the Lord God for the gift of life and love and for the gift of perseverance.
