Thank God for Prayer And Clorox Wipes

My mother (Miss America) used to say, “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” We never scurryfunged (to rush about about cleaning when company is coming) before answering the door to greet an unexpected guest, because our house was kept clean. We rarely were sent to the store for a last-minute item to complete dinner, because Miss America planned our meals and kept both the pantry and refrigerator well-stocked. Being my mother’s daughter, I aim to conduct my household the same way. So you can imagine my surprise when on our weekly trip to Costco, there were no paper products or disinfectants to be found—NONE. That entire area of the store was empty.

While other shoppers looked panicked, That Wonderful Husband and I just sort of shrugged our shoulders and moved on to find that huge box of Raisin Bran that lasts us two months and some of the vacuum seal bags we use to keep our bulk purchases fresh and freezer burn-free.

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a fullblown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door

Now is probably a good time to tell you I am a full-blown germophobe. I DO NOT shake hands (never have, never will), no sharing of food or beverages. I wipe door knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily).

knobs and light switches with disinfecting wipes, sanitize my dishes, rarely eat in a restaurant, and my phone has never been used in a bathroom (but I still sanitize it daily). Because of my admittedly ridiculous aversion to germs, we have a supply of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on hand at all times, in addition to bulk packages of toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissues. We were hoping to top-off our supply as we usually do, but not being able do so did not constitute an emergency for us.

Something my Gram frequently said that often carries me through difficult situations is: “You can worry in earnest or you can pray in earnest, but you can’t do both.” As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has become a mantra for me. With the germophobia and the constant news coverage of Coronavirus, you might be able to imagine the anxiety and fear I am currently fighting. Did I mention my husband has “underlying health issues” and a chronic illness? Yeah.

But here’s the thing. Worry doesn’t change anything; it only steals joy and sanity. So as I prepare for the (blissful) possibility of being quarantined in our house, I plan to do some Bible reading. And one of the first scriptures I know will comfort me is Philippians 4:5-7, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In these stressful times, the ONLY hand I’ll be holding is the hand of the Lord (and maybe That Wonderful Husband).