I.C.U.

I am seeing people differently now, through social distancing. I’ll admit I took seeing people for granted and having interactions with them. This new normal is actually kind of fun for me. I have to been alert to new possibilities and avenues to watch and assist people. I have always been a people watcher. No, not in a creepy, stalking way. People are just fascinating to observe. So as I was laying in bed this morning, praying for folks and new friends I’ve met during this crisis, it came to me ICU and I see you.

An ICU is an intensive care unit in a hospital. A place where someone is put who needs extra, special care. I have witnessed some of these people and how they are dealing with our new normal. Yesterday, my bank opened after being closed for one week. Only the drive up was open, and as I work one block away from the bank, I walked over, and waited in line with eight other vehicles. When the gentleman in the truck in front of me got to the window, he was really rude. He snapped at the lady who was brought in to help us out. He plainly told her how it was very inconvenient for him that when he went to the ATM, he was unable to withdrawal any cash. She explained that the bank had been closed for one week and that there had not been anyone in the bank to replenish the cash in the machine. Made sense to me, and her, but not him. He was still not satisfied, and told her so. (Apparently he must have thought magical little fairies put the actual money into the machine. I don’t know for sure, I’m just throwing out a theory.)

I felt so badly for his pain at that moment and how he was expressing it to a total stranger who was there to help. He was in need of some intensive care. So I let him know that I saw him, where he was at in that moment, and shared with him the latest toilet paper joke that I found online. (So I ran out of toilet paper and started using lettuce leaves. Today was just just the tip of the iceberg! [Iceberg lettuce that is!])

I don’t know if it helped, but God does. I just need to keep doing my part to shine the light to those I come into contact with. The results are up to Him. I was just grateful that the bank was open again! My grateful list has been revised during this time. I got super excited when I found butter in the store. I was excited to find coffee too. I was reminded of shopping on Amazon, and how you can make a “wish list.” Well, I have now made myself a “watch list” of things I need to look for whenever I go to the store, and act like a giddy little school girl when I find them! It is all a matter of perspective. I chose to look at my new shopping adventures like a treasure hunt.

There are plenty of people who are confused and struggling right now, and I want them to know that I see them, right where they are. I want to let them know that I am praying the intensive care of God into their hearts, so they can have the peace that I am receiving in these difficult times. Sometimes just knowing someone cares and sees you can make a big difference in their life.

I am an encourager. It is my job to bring happiness and blessings to others. It is who I am. I am working overtime right now. But I am loving every minute of it! It brings me such joy to put a smile on someone’s face and in their heart. It might be something small, like a toilet paper joke, but it lights them up too. I pray that they remember that moment throughout the day, and that it brings them encouragement.

Now I am in no way making light of the struggles we are all going through. What I am trying to accomplish is to give you something positive to think on. So with that in mind, I want to change the focus of COVID. I’m going to provide you with a few acronyms. Chocolate Optimizes Vital Infusions in Desserts. Or this one using military code, Charlie Oscar Victor India Delta. But I think I like this one the best. Comfort Optimizes Vital Infusions of Delight.

“Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.” (Ps. 94:19 [TPT])

I ask you to please join me in becoming little, portable ICU’s, spreading intensive care however and wherever we are able.

Please be assured that I see you, right here, right now, where you are. I am using this post to be an intensive care moment for you. Please accept the extra special care I am giving to you right now into your heart, and know that we are all in this together. We need to band together in love, and we will come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.

Because of social distancing, I am sending you air hugs and air kisses!

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