At breakfast today I commented to Ruth, my long-suffering wife, that I was in the Slough of Despond. Being the impressive person she is she was aware that this was a reference to the swamp of despair, the metaphorical bog that the protagonist of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress finds himself in. I wasn't using it accurately because for Christian it was the weight of sin and guilt which was dragging him down. I am definitely a sinner but I was referring to the heaviness of spirit, the despondency I feel in what is now week 17 of the disruption to "normal" life because of the coronavirus.
We have actually felt blessed in many ways during this strange, unpredictable, ominous time. We managed to be very active in those early weeks because we live in an area where we could paddle and cycle and walk with little sign of other humans. Through stringent quarantining we were able to support our daughter when she gave birth to our fourth grandchild and we've been able to "bubble" with other immediate family members. Everyone in our family who needs to work is working and all are healthy. Our region of Ontario hasn't had a reported case of COVID-19 in nearly two months. What have we got to complain about?
Still, the oppressive heat of the past couple of weeks has meant that we weren't as active as before and we've felt "holed up" in a way that those first months didn't impose upon us. At times we wonder about what our purpose is, and what we can expect of the future. We don't really care, personally about Phase 2 or Phase 3, other than being with family. We're going to be very cautious about re-entering society, but that has it's own set of challenges in terms of mental wellbeing. And when will we worship with others again?
Some scholars have concluded that Bunyan's Slough of Despond may have been inspired by Squitch Fen, a wet and marshy area near his cottage in Bedfordshire, which Bunyan had to cross on his way to church in Elstow. Surely Bunyan's imagery inspired the Fire Swamp in the Princess Bride?
The relative cool of the past two days has helped. Sitting on the deck for breakfast, watching the birds at the feeders, has lifted my spirits. It was important to admit that I was feeling a tad bogged down or "squitchy" these days. This is important for all of us, even while we are keeping our eyes on the far side of the slough with a sense of Christ's hope.
I figure we should include the word "squitch" in our COVID vocabulary, as much as we want to remain resolute and grateful for all God's blessings. Anyone up for a "squitch session?"
The Fire Swamp in The Princess Bride
4 comments:
Yes please. In a recent text a friend wrote, "We are all in the dank boat". And then quickly added in a second text, "I am sure I typed same boat!" But we both agreed that dank boat was perfectly descriptive and appropriate given how we are all feeling. It conjures up mould and mildew and dampness and discomfort and worry about what is coming next. Maybe we should have a squitch session in a dank boat in the swamp of despair. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
Ha! Well, it's not a boat I want to set out in for a long voyage but perhaps a quick jaunt around the pond. Strangely, just writing the blog this morning made me feel better. Perhaps naming the dankness is healthy. Along with humour. Thanks for giving me a chuckle Shirley.
I find getting a workout in really helps the frame of mind. Of course, with the gyms closed that means doing what you can at home. Fortunately, I can take the bike for a spin or do some weights in the basement. Perhaps you can hit those rubber dumbbells yourself, David. Start with the 2's and work your way up to the 5's. Make sure you have someone spotting, and always wear a weightlifting belt.
"Motion controls emotion" was a phrase used by Rabbi Earl Grollman and I'm convinced its accurate. We've spent a lot of time paddling this year (the ultimate physical distancing) but cycling and walking as well. And, yes, Roger, weights.
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