Islands in the Storm

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The world is going into the fifth month of life with COVID 19. In most places, isolation is the new way of life. Phrases like "social distancing" and "quarantine" have become the buzz words of 2020. These words sound ominous, but perhaps we aren't looking at this from the best point of view.

 Isolation comes from the Latin root for "island." When we think about it, every continent is its own island - huge land masses that are floating, literally, on the Earth's surface. If one is out on the sea, an island can be a respite or a curse, which is why so many lighthouses were built on islands. 

Staying with the metaphor of the lighthouse for a minute, let us consider what life was like living as the caretaker of a lighthouse. This was an important position back in the days before automated lights and electricity. The lighthouse keeper had to literally light the lamp and keep the light in good working order. The keeper also saved lives when storms destroyed ships at sea.

Being a keeper of the light was never easy. The men and women (Yes, there were women lighthouse keepers!) who took on the task of this job had to be comfortable living away from others. They were, however, supported by those who lived on land. This support sustained them in many ways - bringing food and supplies, talking on "the wire," through letters and sometimes by prayers said by those on land during raging storms.

Today, during this pandemic, we are being called to be Light-keepers. We are being called to remain in our homes so that others will be safe from the spread of this virus. Being an island among many other islands (so close, yet so far away) can be difficult, especially as the weather turns from winter to spring and summer. However, if we begin visiting, communing, meeting or celebrating with others before this virus is controlled, we will put others in danger. A lighthouse without a light is simply another obstacle in the storm. 

A closing thought from author, Mandy Hale, “A season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that next time you feel alone.”

May we all let our wings grow so that when the time is right, we might soar into our future with hope and love.

Comments

Barbara Barth said…
Beautifully written, Linda! I especially love the quote and am jotting it down to remember.
April 26, 2020 at 9:38 AM
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