A Memory of Camping

The other day I was reminded of camping. A few of us went to Yosemite and Bass Lake last July for a quick yet very relaxing and enjoyable camping trip. I remember the peacefulness of nature, the adventure of a new excursion, and the nice getaway from the daily routine and busyness in order to escape into a quieter and serene like oasis. I couldn't help but match up these memories of camping to the reality of now with this pandemic in our world, our society and lives. It has changed so much of our daily routine, but in parts that are good such as slowing down and reflecting more.

When I think of camping, I also think of the other neighbors nearby who are also enjoying the beauty of nature and felt called to also camp and live and sleep among the birds and wild animals. With this virus happening in front of us, it also made me think of our neighbors and how like camping, we don't associate with them as much anymore for the choice of not getting too close to catch something and the paranoia and fear that we can all face; yet we are all experiencing together.

The slowness of time has also connected my memory with camping and now. There is less to do and be which allows for more of a forced than encouraged sense of desire of slowing down. Life has become more simple just like camping where the time of day is shown from where the sun rests in the sky. People want to get outside now more than before and take in nature and the breath of freedom and calmness. Like in our camping trip, being outdoors was part of most of our day and taking in God's creation.

This time of more slowness and step back from the daily routine has reminded me of that time in summer and camping. There was a slowness and peace with more reflection from a busier time prior personally and one that really wrecked with my mental, and emotional state but strengthened me spiritually. It was a breath of fresh air to take a rest physically, mentally, and spiritually and to step away from that daily grind even if I had no idea where I was to go next. That time reminds me a bit of this time, with a forced slowness, but one that has fear and uncertainty outside. However, I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a silver lining to all of this.

There is hope and joy still as today is the feast of the Annunciation and this 4th week of Lent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday and meaning rejoice because Easter and the Lord's coming is soon. So too with this time of waiting and patience throughout Lent, it holds for our lives and the times now.

There couldn't be a better time for us to slow down, and reflect and pray more during this Lenten season. Just like that camping trip was a perfect time for me to take more time in nature and more time for reading, and reflection before the unknown was upon me. That camping trip was very helpful in the sense of perspective and gratitude. In a similar way with the busyness of our world having to nearly stop at its breaks and try to be innovative and creative. With this shelter in place protocol and isolation for some, it really can feel like we're camping inside our homes and just going outside to the grocery store or taking a walk. Although the future is unknown, it too has allowed some good to happen in our lives and in our world.