A Covid-19 World

Closed indefinitely. Social distancing. No toilet paper. Sold out. No mask no service. Sanitize everything. Stay home. Wash your hands for twenty seconds. Stay six feet apart. 

We are living in a world we never dreamed we would see.

We see grief. Grief over loss of normalcy. Grief over the loss of loved ones. Grief over the loss of jobs. Grief over lost opportunities. Grief over being isolated from loved ones. Grief for plans being ruined. Grief is raw. Grief is hard to bare. It gives us a glimpse into the depths of the soul, and shouldn't be rejected, but rather rejoiced in as odd as that may sound. We shouldn't rejoice in the cause of the grief, but grief itself is a powerful thing. It allows us to perceive truth and beauty in ways we may have never seen it before. 

We see everyone moving about day by day wondering when and if this will ever end.  

We see the best in people come out. We see museums, theatres, and attractions all streaming their content for free to help people while they are stuck indoors. We see caravans of cars doing drive by celebrations for those who have birthdays or graduations. We see artists creating and sharing on social media. We see people leaving masks, food, money, and other items on doorsteps for those in need. We see people volunteering their time and service. We see people allowing their creativity to shine.

We also see the worst in people come out. We see people angry over things being closed. They are angry they can't go on that vacation they have been planning for months or even years. They are angry that people are panic shopping. They are angry at being told they shouldn't leave their homes. They are angry they have lost their jobs. They are angry they are working longer hours. They are angry people aren't taking it seriously. They are angry people are taking it too seriously. They are angry they can't try on clothing at the store. They are angry they have to rearrange their lives and how they do things. They are angry people are ignoring the rules laid out to keep them safe. They are angry rules are being laid out.

Each of us experiences this world differently, and, in the midst of it all, here is what I wish to leave with you - 

Through all the chaos, through the fear, through the confusion, through it all may we always remember to be gentle. Just because we are social distancing doesn't mean we forget what it is to care for and help one another. 

That non "essential" worker that may not do anything that is essential to you has just lost their job, and most likely terrified that they have just lost their only means of income to feed their families. Those small businesses that have just closed their doors have had to lay off employees that are sometimes more like family and face the possibly seeing that dream end. Those parents who are upset about playgrounds being closed may have just lost their only real 30 minute break in their day. Those who are making jokes or memes on social media about a very real and very serious situation may be scared and are trying to deal with it the only way they know how. That person who's shopping cart is overflowing with more items than necessary may be getting groceries for those who are high risk and shouldn't leave their homes. Those workers that are essential are being pushed to their limits and being called to do more than ever before all the while not seeing their families or friends for weeks. That person who is angry at someone for not following rules may have just lost loved ones. Please, be gentle.