Jacqueline M.

In just a matter of one month, all of our lives have changed. It doesn't matter where you live - we have all been affected.  Even in the small, everyday things - like having new words as part of our daily vocabulary:  Global Pandemic, Covid-19, Coronavirus, Quarentine, Social Distancing, Lockdown, Self-Isolation, Flatten The Curve.  It's where "staying home" actually means "save a life". If not your own, someone elses.      

Anxiety and fear have entered our households.  We are told we are fighting an invisible war. And yet - countries are coming together through social media to plan Global Prayer Time everyday around the world.  Prayers for our sick, our healthcare workers, our people, our land... the world. And through this, we have become more grateful for everyone who is working on the frontlines of this war... healthcare workers, grocery store employees, truck drivers delivering all of our needs, waste management teams picking up our garbage, fire fighters and police officers keeping us safe - everyone who is still working out in the public while most of us are home.  They are fighting the good fight so the rest of us can live as normal a life as possible during this strange and fearful time.  

This pandemic has become a Lifestyle Disease.  Yes, we have always washed our hands; but from this we will go into the future more cautious about everything we touch while out in public.  We will think twice every time we touch our own faces and the faces of those we love.  Handshaking, hugs, and a casual kiss on the cheek may be reduced to nothing for a time.  Being in a large group again may take time getting used to for a lot of us. Will we still feel a bit of panic the first time we enter a crowded sports event?  The movie theater? A crowded restaurant? A concert? Church? Can we even imagine when this will not affect our minds again?   

And yet, through all of the chaos, we see good things happening around the world:  Our rivers and oceans and air are cleaner.  Our beaches are cleaner. The sky seems bigger and the sun brighter.  The sound of birds chirping in the morning is clearer. We hear people singing from their balconies in the cities.  We hear neighbors talking to one another from the other side of the street. People are having conversations in person rather than through a text. Our communities coming together - becoming stronger.  Yes, we are lonely, sad, anxious, and afraid. Yet... we are not alone. We are all in this together. Worldwide. We are in the middle of a history lesson.  Let's all learn from it.  

When we can, let's all hug our loved ones longer and tighter. Let's appreciate seeing our friends in person, instead of over an app. Let's take our health more seriously. Let's always care for our elderly and sick. Let's sit at our kitchen tables and continue the deep conversations and laughter instead of looking at our phones or watching a TV show. Let's always applaud those who heal us, protect us, save us, and make our lives easier.  And while we wait for our new future, let's ask ourselves on a daily basis "what 3 things am I grateful for today?"... and let's continue to ask that even when this is over. For we may be in a war zone right now, but it will end one day. We will rise up through the ashes.  We will be better than we were before; as individuals, as countries, as communities. Let us not forget, for maybe it is best for us all to grow from this - to move forward into being our best selves. I see a future of goodness - where we are concerned for others and not just ourselves.  Let us become a people who are grateful for not material things, but for the things of true importance: our faith, our families, our neighbors and friends, our health, and our land. 

Here is to OUR brighter future once this storm has passed…