|
 We’ve never seen anything like this before. But as
nation after nation, and now state after state, has been immobilized
by this unseen threat we set aside our skepticism and accepted that
we are facing an onslaught that may forever change the way we live.
As we anticipate growing statistics of infections, diagnoses, and
even deaths, we look for some kind of encouragement.
The first encouragements are good only in contrast to the gravity of
the pandemic. If epidemiologists are accurate in predicting that 100
million Americans will contract the virus and up to 150,000 of us
will die, the search for good news is challenging indeed. Yet there
are some unquestionably good things that are happening, . . . not
because of the virus, but as a result of actions that people are
taking in response to the pandemic. These good happenings range from
minor blessings to some outcomes that are powerful demonstrations of
good will among people.
One positive event comes from Washington, D.C. We have become
hardened to the polarization of politics, especially at the federal
level. Yet, despite the vast difference in attitudes and political
philosophies, Congress and the President have found common ground to
act for the benefit of the American people. Sniping about who should
have done what when may continue, but for the moment leaders are
working in the same direction.
The various “social distancing” directives have not been easy to
follow. Cultural pleasantries have been set aside—handshaking,
hugging, and other physical contacts are enormously reduced. People
are staying at home, often working from home. The collateral
benefits from this distancing may be more apparent when the crisis
ebbs. Consider just a few possible blessings:
Families are having an opportunity to get re-acquainted with each
other. Our typically hectic pace of life fosters relational and
emotional isolation. Being together inside four walls forces
adapting to, communicating with, and attempting to understand family
members—People we believed we loved, though our schedules had
reduced our actions of love toward them. One husband wryly said,
“I’m getting to know my wife better. She seems to be a nice person.”
Spring cleaning is being facilitated. Unscheduled time allows us to
do chores that often get pushed out of the schedule. For some, this
means that decluttering will finally occur. When the new normalcy
sets in, Goodwill and other charitable re-sale services should
receive an abundance of donations as we contribute our extra
clothing and goods. [to top of second
column] |
Healthy exercise is apparently blossoming.
Warming days see a growing number of walkers, joggers, and
bikers in the parks and neighborhoods. Friendly exchanges abound
as people learn that distancing does not require being aloof.
Because the Pandemic is a health crisis that tends to be most
devastating to those with “underlying health issues” some people
may take action on health issues where they may have some
personal control, such as unhealthy patterns of smoking, eating,
and drinking.
Many are learning to use their technology more effectively.
Students at all stages are experiencing the power of technology
for education. Conversely, the students may also be developing a
deeper appreciation for the “live and in-person” educators from
whom they are separated. Flexibility is enabling education even
as the circumstances are changing.
Churches are engaged in a healthy re-examination of their role
in their community. All churches know that they are called to do
more than just hold traditional Sunday services. But being
unable to hold such services forces both leaders and laity to
consider other modes of relating and serving. In addition to
creative “on-line church,” some congregations are emphasizing
community service through food distribution, checking more
closely on isolated people, looking for un-met needs, . . .
valuing what the scattered church can do as an expression what
is taught in the gathered church.
While many of us are simply attempting to figure out how to live
productively and stay healthy while sheltering-in-place, the
health-care workers among us are making more difficult
decisions. They are called to “run toward danger” in order to
both contain the virus and to help infected persons to survive.
Our children may remember these servants like we remember
military veterans, or the New York Firefighters of 9/11 who put
themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the rest of us. They
model a selfless spirit.
It is unlikely that we will ever look back on the spring of 2020
and fondly recall the impact of the disabling and deadly virus.
But we may look back with a bit of civic pride and say, “In a
bad situation, our communities, our organizations, our people
showed their character. We all did what we had to do, we did it
well, and a healthy nation lives on.” |
