In My Life

In isolation, every day seems longer than the day before.  At this rate of increase, in next to no time, 24 hours is going to feel like a week.

I suspect that the home baking revival, caused by the pandemic, has led to one more commodity in short supply: flour.  Except for the chickpea variety and semolina, the shelves are empty.  But our local Afghan grocer has 12.5 kilogram bags selling for $16.  It will take me ages to use that much, but I bought one.  I’m willing to share it if you need some.

During the week I was tested for the virus because of an itchy throat.  I got the all-clear 24 hours later, but, while I was waiting, my imagination was running wild: an overcrowded intensive care unit; not a happy prospect. Being spared such a fate has only served to amp up my already careful attention to health directives.  

Good Friday observation – recognition at last

When Jesus breathed his last breath, the Roman centurion who had supervised the crucifixion, pronounced the verdict that Pontius Pilate and King Herod were afraid to give, “Certainly this man (meaning Jesus) was innocent!” (Luke 23:47) and would never give, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Matthew27:54).  

Quotable quote from Isaac Watts – the hymn-writer

Fetch down some knowledge from the clouds, the stars, the sun, the moon, and the revolutions of all the planets.  Dig and draw up some valuable meditations from the depths of the earth, and search through the vast oceans of water.  Extract some intellectual improvements from the wonders of nature among the vegetables and herbs, tress and flowers.  Learn some lessons from the birds and beasts, and meanest insect.  Read the wisdom of God, and his admirable contrivance of them all; read his almighty power, his rich and various goodness, in all the works of his hands.

Quoted by Marilynne Robinson in The Givenness of Things.