Surfing the Omicron Wave

Many people require negative covid tests for each day they work.

There’s a passage in the Gospels where Jesus tells the Pharisees, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” Jesus was making a distinction between two kingdoms: the earthly world presided over by political leaders and the kingdom of Heaven presided over by God. In the former, we must abide by rules, regulations and mandates that seem overbearing and impulsive. In God’s kingdom, different rules apply such as love, honesty and humility. To the faithful, God is always in charge and divine supremacy supersedes material directives.

As health officials issue new Coronavirus mandates, I try to remind myself that God is still in charge. It’s not easy. The mere act of making a living has never been this challenging. I’m a freelance art teacher. I teach at schools, senior homes, daycare centers and parks and recreation facilities. Because of the rampant spread of Omicron, I’m forced to comply with new government rules in order to continue working.

I’m already vaccinated with a booster and I have no problem wearing a mask. But I must now obtain a negative Covid Test within 24 hours for every class I teach. Home tests are not acceptable (you can’t find them anyway). This means waiting in line an hour each day at a health clinic or drug store for a Covid test. Finding an available appointment has forced me to drive long distances to outlying…