I was talking with one of my physician colleagues because a new article came out about COVID-19 transmission. Basically, it reinforced the fact that transmission is largely airborne. Masks are helpful in stopping the spread. Then I told her about my shopping experience. Most all the people in our relatively small town were out and about without masks. And numbers are spiking again. It’s not that the science has changed, but people are tired. My physician friend called it Pandemic Fatigue. Americans are tired of all that may be required to keep the spread down.

Are you suffering from Pandemic Fatigue? I know I am. It takes great resolve to do what we consider the right thing. For example, I had to turn down another family who wanted to visit and stay with us. I don’t like not opening my home to those who visit. We’ve always had lots of friends and family visit and stay with us. But until we can get a better handle on how this virus is being addressed with asymptotic carriers, I am not comfortable bringing people whose medical condition is uncertain into my home. We’ve had a few social distancing dinners outside but it it not the same. And not touching my son or daughter when we see them is weird. I don’t like all these restrictions either but I am trying to follow the science and be responsible.

Americans are fiercely independent and we don’t like our liberties trounced upon. I get it. But I also understand trying to keep a disease at bay. And while we all have the right to do what we think is right, we need to consider the frail and those at risk. Yes that is a hard call, one that each person has to make.

What is fatiguing is constant change and new directives. Even if they are necessary, we are growing weary of it all. Interestingly, my life verse reminds me to not grow weary in doing good. I keep thinking of that verse. What do I need to do to not grow weary in doing good?  Maybe we should all ask the same question.

No judgment here on your personal decisions. I simply want to point out that sometimes we throw caution to the wind because we are tired, stressed and simply don’t want to fight anymore. We yearn for pre-COVID times. We want to travel, see our friends, hug our families, visit the elderly and go to a real church service again. Just recognize you are not alone in these desires. The question is: what do we need to do to approximate that normal life again? Consider, pray, do your collective part. Be concerned for your neighbor. Most of all, don’t grow weary in doing good.