Beauty in an Unexpected Place

One of the many realities we have learned during this time in history is that beauty is present in unexpected places. In spite of social distancing the internet and phone conversations with loved ones have made this an incredible opportunity for seeing the most authentic side of others. It surely is true that when the pressure is on, what is inside comes out. Please allow me to take this moment to say what has come out has been, for the most part, overwhelmingly beautiful. 

In blogs, newspapers, interviews, and everyday conversations common ideas are being expressed by a number of people all across our land. Thoughts and opinions that haven't been freely spoken of very often or in a positive way for a very long time are suddenly being heard in the ears of people everywhere. These life-giving words are good to hear. 

Kindness. This word has been popping up here, there, and everywhere lately. Consideration. Thoughtfulness. Giving. Prayer. Music. Art. All of these are not only being mentioned but openly discussed among many. Not only are they being discussed, but they are also being shown in a multitude of ways. It feels almost as if the goodness of society has been kept prisoner indoors during all of the busy, chaotic years people have been busy surviving or making a living and now that the extreme situations of the pandemic have allowed people to slow down and fully engage in authentic living, they actually have time to let the goodness out to play. 

People aren't too busy to write a letter, bake cookies for a neighbor, or smile a friendly greeting to the mailman. Using the internet for face-to-face conversations with loved ones or to send pictures of babies to grandmas is happening more often. Impromptu concerts, spontaneous singing, the making of art together, all of these are happening together, even if together happens online.There is also time to read the Bible and pray. 

People are able to live Love truly and deeply in both practical and meaningful ways. People who can do good are, and everyone can do good. Those who are home are doing the good they can while those who must work on are doing what they do in every way they can. People are helping people. This is good. This experience called the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't only been good, but it hasn't only been bad either. A piece by I don't know who, thank you copy & paste, expresses this oh so very well. May we all be kind, thoughtful, considerate, and giving as we ponder the reality in the following words. 

"WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of reconnection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial and family crisis.

For some that live alone they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest and time with their mother, father, sons and daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours each day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours a day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.