The Next Right Thing to Do

Posted in meditationTagged , , ,

“Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I’d like to see you in better living conditions.” – Hafiz

I received the dreaded close contact notification last night. My 2-year-old son was exposed at daycare last week to someone who later tested positive for Covid-19.  

In the middle of the night I heard a single cough from him and though he’d been healthy all weekend, my mind was off and racing. I was tracing vectors of sickness with my family, trying to redesign the house to make it so I could both isolate and entertain my daughter, notifying all the people in my head. What I meant was making a list of people to notify but when I typed it “notifying all the people in my head” it also rang true – I had a whole committee up there.

This went on for a couple of hours as I lay awake at 3am trying to control everything I didn’t know, keep people safe from everything that hasn’t happened and mentally grocery shop for anything we could need. And then finally, I landed on the only thing I needed to pray for – the next right thing to do and I went back to sleep.

Because the next right thing to do is clear – cancel everything for today and keep praying for the next right thing to do.  The simplest and maybe only way through is one step at a time.

(featured photo from Pexels)

18 thoughts on “The Next Right Thing to Do”

  2. Oh, I’m so sorry, Wynne. What an awful and stressful evening. I hope today is a peaceful one for you and I hope that your son and you and your daughter will be ok. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Ab! I so appreciate your kind thoughts and sympathy. So far we are fine- I’ve been able to test both my kids (negative) and keep them apart. It’s that latter part that’s hard but my 6-year-old is being super cooperative. Thank goodness!

      Like

    1. Thanks, Rosaliene! The health guidelines are a great suggestion. That’s definitely what I’m following and so far have been able to test both my kids (negative) and keep them apart. It’s that latter part that’s harder but my 6-year-old is doing great!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. “… keep praying for the next right thing to do. The simplest and maybe only way through is one step at a time. – AKA – “Let go and let God.” He’s got this Wynne, and you got my prayers . . . get some sleep mom 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Fred!! Yes, let go and let God. I so appreciate your prayers and encouragement. We’re almost three-quarters of a day into this thing and so far, praying for the next right thing to do is working great! Sending my best to you!

      Like

  5. Oh no! Take care! And I know it’s scary but you will be able to work through whatever gets handed to you. Which I hope is continued good health for you and your family! Like Rosaliene said, one day at a time.

    Also maybe this will give you some optimism, I had an exposure at Christmas (partner’s brother tested positive two days later) and then later two of my roommates tested positive after they returned from being away for the holidays, one of whom I share a bathroom with, but I so far I have been blessed with staying healthy and negative (I get weekly PCR testing).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow – I’m so glad that you have been able to stay healthy and negative. I love that optimism. It’s so hard to gauge when trying to steer my little family through this so I really appreciate your perspective. One day at a time, for sure!

      Like

  7. The Stoic philosophers set a useful example for challenges that extend beyond individual agency. It has always helped me to remember prior difficult situations I’ve passed through whenever a new one comes along, reminding myself of what enabled me to do so. Your children, I suspect, have inherited some of your strength. Best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. One day at a time … I needed to be reminded of this today. God’s mercies and his grace are new every morning. We can’t receive tomorrow’s mercy or grace today … we’re not there yet. It will be there when we need it. Right on time. Hope you’re little one and your whole family are doing well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What a wonderful perspective to add Nancy about tomorrow’s grace and mercy. Yes, that rings so true. It will be there when we need it. Thank you, Nancy!

      Like

Comments are closed.