COVID Reflections from Lower Manhattan: Part 2
With Mayor deBlasio saying that NYC schools won’t be back in session for the rest of the year, am reminded that we truly have no idea when this COVID season will be over. A friend reflected this week that though we’ve been operating in “sprint” mode, it’s time to transition to a “marathon” mentality. We knew all those carbs were a good idea!
Speaking of eating….though I stocked up on most things early on, I’m trying to incorporate more fresh produce into my recipes. An email from local restaurant Dig about supporting local upstate NY farmers by buying fresh produce from them, prompted my purchase of a fresh produce box. Because of a delivery glitch, they actually gave me 2 boxes of sweet potatoes, kale, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower - though I tried to rectify, they said they’d rather me have the food to support me and family during this time - thanks, Dig!
Supporting local upstate NY farmers by buying fresh, local produce - and trying to eat healthier too!
Sharing some of the plenty with my doormen, I’ve been roasting and eating lots of vegetables. Did you know you could actually make brownies with sweet potatoes? Me either - haven’t tried it yet but let me know if you do - it could be a good replacement for my dark chocolate moments! I’ve also been trying to cook out of the pantry. Since we shop at Costco, I’m figuring out what to do with the quart size container of artichoke hearts or the huge bag of pitted dates. With a failed tuna patty attempt but successful artichoke quiche recipe - I’m trying to ‘fail fast’ which hasn’t been too hard - all good things to test my creativity!
Speaking of carbs and chocolate, I gained a pound or two (okay two!). Not realizing how much I walk up and down the subway stairs, walking to and from daily activities, commuting to the office etc., I’m now skipping the elevator (great way to social distance!) and walking up and down the 8 flights of stairs to the apartment. At least 10k steps a day. You get the idea.
A recent walk around the neighborhood
Wearing masks and gloves around the neighborhood and even in my apartment building lobby has become the new norm. Two blocks from my apartment, walking by NY Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital was very sobering - the least I can do is stay home - and when I need a walk for fresh air, put on the mask and gloves and avoid people. On my walks around the neighborhood, listening to my favorite podcast, “How I Built This” is a highlight - the most recent episode featuring Ben and Jerry (of Ben and Jerry’s) only affirmed my support of this entrepreneurial ice cream company that literally created the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. I mean, what AM I doing with my life.
Hosting virtual convenings with Hope for New York affiliates about all things COVID response, working with the HFNY team (and btw, this team is amazing and am so thankful for them!), organizing weekly prayer calls with the nonprofit affiliate network -- by the end of the day, I prioritize anything to relieve my mind from the unsettled nature of everything our world is facing. Times of prayer and worship, Spring cleaning (um, when was the last time I cleaned out that bookcase?!), Easter decorating, trying new recipes etc. Speaking of creativity - playing with zoom backgrounds has also become a nice distraction: I’m still debating about which Happy Easter background I like best (is the Lily Pullitzer background too much?!?), the Simpsons living room, or the background scene from the Office - all depends what “vibe” I’m into that day. Do I want to be taken seriously or not….?!
Speaking of vibes, I have to admit this season is a welcome respite from the tense political climate we’ve been in. Seeing the Democratic debates not having an audience - thank God. I can do without the annoying, dramatic applause and interruptions. With Senator Sanders getting out of the race this past week, I smile remembering when my 2 year old nephews Larsy and Jeffrey were “fighting over the picture of ‘grandad’” - as they pointed to the Sanders picture on the front cover of the NY Times Magazine.
Senator Sanders or Grandfather Larson??? Couldn’t find more polar opposites but Larsy and Jeffrey couldn’t tell the difference and thought Granddad had made it to the cover of the NY Times Magazine!
Speaking of politics, it is clear that different Governors have acted decisively and swiftly, while others have waited to respond to COVID. Seeing the market volatility, the policy side of me reflects on what the role of the Federal vs. individual states is in making decisions related to closing down, shelter in place etc. In the midst of these policy related concerns, this Hank Paulsen interview (thanks, Leslie!) was a welcome perspective. Loved that he included reference to 2 Tim 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Whether in the 2008 financial markets meltdown or this current health pandemic, we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We can rest in that!
Reflecting on fear, this season of Holy Week has been much more solemn, more somber, and the sacrifice of Christ more real. With every passing ambulance and siren, my own mortality and vulnerability seems more apparent. Being reminded by my friend Captain Olivia Munn-Shirsath from the Salvation Army Theatre 315 to pray as each ambulance goes by, my heart’s cry this week is “Lord, have mercy”. Lord, have mercy on our City, our world - Lord, please have mercy.
Knowing that each of those ambulances will be met by healthcare workers at the hospital, each night, at 7pm, New Yorkers open their windows and join together to cheer on and show support for the healthcare workers. In this spirit, at 9am Easter Sunday morning, Christians around New York will join together in an Easter liturgy, singing - “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”. More details here!
With the grimness of everything happening in our world, there is hope. I’ve been hearing more and more of those who’ve recovered from COVID-19, and plan to donate their blood to help patients still struggling.
To remind myself of the bright hope of Easter, I’ve tried to bring a bit of Easter to our apartment building - to the doormen and to the apartment decor. Seeing the flowers blooming, tulips in full form, coloring eggs -- this all points to what Easter represents. New life, hope, and resurrection.
Some Easter treats for the doormen to say “thank you” for their devotion and commitment during this season!
My human nature sees Good Friday - the sacrifice, the somber nature of death. But God sees Easter Sunday - resurrection glory. New life. A living hope in Christ. I cannot wait to celebrate His resurrection power and victory over death tomorrow - Easter service at 9:30am (link will go live at 9am and available anytime after that as well! through Redeemer Downtown (you may see a familiar face!) here: downtown.redeemer.com/onlineworship
He is risen!