Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Working with kids can be challenging.  Whenever I began working in a new building with a new set of kids, I would inevitably get sick.  Generally, one of them would give me pink eye as a “welcome to your new job” gift.  Then another one of them would graciously share some stomach bug that knocked me off my socks.  After a month had passed, I would be stronger and more resistant to the germs that frequented that particular facility.

While typing progress notes, I realized that I have been at my new job for almost 3 months and have not gotten sick.  Not once.  While I have always been cautious about germs, COVID-19 has moved infectious diseases to the forefront of my mind.  There is no half-stepping or playing around.  My mask has reduced the likelihood that I will catch any of germs that kids are so willing to share.

My newfound freedom from catching illness in new environments struck a chord with me.  It challenged me to think of the many times I put myself in toxic situations with no protection or method to wash off the ickiness that is sure to come.  Situations that I know have the potential to make me ill emotionally or spiritually, but I go in unprepared.  And what would that preparation look like practically?  Well, I need to remember to set clear boundaries.  And when it looks like someone is going to hack or sneeze their discontent with life into the air, I must pull out my disinfectant.  I have to verbally let them know that I do not like what they are saying.  I have to kill that thing in the air before it ever lands on me.

Being around new germs can be challenging, but we do not have to leave ourselves open for infection.  Prayer and study of the word of God give us one of the best masks that we could ever have.  When we allow the Holy Spirit to filter our words, we keep others safe from the ickiness that is inside us.  Both parties are protected.  I am grateful that my physical body is in good health and free from illness.  My prayer is that I am mindful of my spiritual health as well.  I do not want to infect others with negativity and strife, and I surely do not want them to infect me.  #wepreach