Maybe we are beginning to see the end. Some warn of a second wave. We have been told that if things get worse again, the restrictions may all come back. We just don’t know.
There are two things about this time that strike me as positive First, we have done an amazing thing here. People in Saskatchewan have “pulled together by staying apart.” We have compassionately and carefully protected our vulnerable by doing something extremely difficult. This is acting in a Christ-like way. He spoke and lived in a way that challenged all of humanity to love more deeply and live more kindly together. We have endured isolation and, for many, significant burdens to act in love. We can be rightly proud of each other.
Second, many have shown incredible ingenuity in this time. New businesses and social enterprises have arisen to serve the needs of hungry people and medical personnel. Some businesses have shifted to provide masks and face shields, respirators and other equipment otherwise in short supply or unavailable. Yet others have written music and performed in ways that are safe and appropriate for this time. All this creativity has helped us to cope with the isolation and frustration. Again we can be proud of each other.
But of course, for many, there is no silver lining to be seen. There have been deaths for various reasons, and when that happened, we were unable to grieve in the ways we’ve found so important. This has compounded the loss. Nothing can fully replace the human touch in times of grief. Others have been unable to work and placed in desperate situations financially. That is not over by a long shot. We still have so much to do helping each other through, and in recovery from this.
This is a time, as we begin to re-open activities, to look for new ways to help. How can we find a new and better normal? How can we restructure our society and our economy to help and love one another better? How can we protect our vulnerable citizens better? How can we make sure we have what we need to meet the next big shock or the next disaster? What can we do to make sure everyone has what is needed to live a truly good and rewarding life? How can we seek what the ancient words of the Bible calls “shalom,” the harmony that is more than just the lack of conflict? How can we make life together more just, more compassionate and better for all?
Let’s be brave and creative as we together make a brand new normal that is better and stronger and more loving than the old. Let’s not waste this shakeup.
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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
