We arrived at Meijer’s yesterday afternoon, ten minutes prior to our 3:45 appointment, and the line extended to the back of the store. There we met a friendly employee putting blue tape on the floor to be sure that everyone in the ever-extending line stayed six feet apart. The line moved quickly, and each new worker we met seemed to be friendlier than the last. The system was very efficient … before we knew it, we had filled out the form, given them our medical ID, and were meeting the “needler”. I asked her to let me know when I would be getting the vaccine – and her reply was, “We are all done – you can move to the next chair for 15 minutes to be safe, and then head out.” I had not even felt the COVID vaccine needle enter into my arm!
VAC’ … 1, 2, 3 … or, at least one
When we made our first appointment, they immediately booked our second one as well. Since our appointment for round two is at the same store and the same time on February 10, I am expecting to see some of the same people in line. And I anticipate the staff and system will be just as friendly and efficient.
VAC’ … 1, 2, 3 … the expectation for round two: piece of cake.
Now you may be wondering, “Why does he keep saying 1, 2, 3? There are only two shots in the Pfizer vaccine.” Well for us, round three begins on February 12. That is the day that we head south for a few days of VAC’ (and I don’t mean vaccine!).
VAC’ … 1, 2, 3 … it is round three that gives me the greatest anticipation!
Ancient wisdom says it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will bring healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3.5-8) It was the Holy Spirit who gave these words to King Solomon. This makes all this VAC’ stuff as easy as 1, 2, 3 for me.
In ancient Rome, it was the Christians who confidently placed themselves at risk in the plague. Christians were the first scientists … the first to open hospitals … the primary movers-and-shakers initiating education for the masses. Our national holiday highlighting the elimination of racial injustice is named after a Christian pastor. … The list goes on and on – illustrations of our God faithfully leading the masses through his people as they “trust in the Lord with all their heart, not leaning on their own understanding. (Rather), in all their ways acknowledging him, (knowing) he will make straight their paths.”
This is why VAC’ … 1, 2, 3 is a “no brainer” for me. When the opportunity came, I did not resist as Jesus pushed me to the front of the line to get the vaccine … because I am dealing with the public every week, and I want them to feel safe … because I want to be able to tell those who are hesitant about my first-hand experience … and, in regard to round three, well, did you read the last phrase in verse 8?
When Joshua faced a situation much more suspect, the Lord spoke to him directly. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9) As far as I know, this promise is still good for us today – so it is VAC’ … 1, 2, 3 for me