"I practiced listening to the Spirit day after day, and gradually my thoughts reflected greater hope:

Social distancing is official. Our group sizes are now limited to twenty.

But have you noticed the Missouri primrose? Their seed packets are like giant star-shaped purses! Hear the rattle? See the seeds? What a genuine surprise!

Group sizes are now down to ten. And why is finding baking soda such a mammoth endeavor?

But have you noticed the warmer temperatures? Spring is here, and you can go walking every day! What a perfect season to be alive.

I am lonely—I am scared. And now the earth is quaking.

But have you noticed the bright green hues of rain-soaked lawns? Have you touched the soft soil? There is dirt under your children’s fingernails; they are happy.

The parks are caution-taped. Even the swings! And I still can’t find dry beans at the store.

But have you noticed the goats that live on the corner? They jump and bleat and make you laugh!

The library is officially closed. How we long for fresh stories!

But how nice it felt to get caught in the rain today! Even the hail, stinging your hands, brought sensation and feeling and zest for life."