An Overview of Thanks, Creating a Better Today...... 2/28/21

 

    In Roman times, February was originally the last month of the year.  For us, February 2020 was the last month of life as we once knew it.  In March 2020, we entered the era of Covid19.  

    This month is upon us once again.  We have greater hope this year.  We see prog-

ress.

    We have vaccines.  The number of infections per week and month is declining.  But caution is still the best approach. 

   The pandemic has been a scourge.  It transformed our world into a scene that fits a sci-fi film.  Everyone wears masks.  

    Who would have thought that being the case three years ago? 

    Outdoor dining is the new norm for restaurants, we now abide by social distancing, a phrase unknown in early 2020.  No longer do we band together with friends and family.  Isolation is the new social status.  

    For the United States, five hundred and thirteen thousand (513,000) people have died in the past twelve months and more assuredly will follow.  

    Because of the social upheaval created by this pandemic we have a greater awareness of the need for social justice.  It is clear all people are to be treated equally---respect-ed-- regardless of status, race, or religion.  All lives matter. 

    What can we be thankful for such a time as this?

1.  For the many means of still con-necting with others: Zoom, Skype, Face-Time, Whatsapp, among others. 

2.  For masks. They protect all of us and slows the spread of  Covid19. 

3. For the tremendous heroes all about us, during this medical crisis. 

   a.  For first responders. EMTs, paramedics, police and firemen and firewomen.

   b. Medical professionals: those working in Emergency Rooms: doc-tors, nurses, and their aides. 

   c. For teachers.  Their career has changed as schools adapt to Covid-19.  It is quite a challenge to arrest the attention of students using only the screen of a computer.

   May God bless them all and keep them safe. Because of them, we are blessed and better off. 

4. For the quick time it took laboratories to develop vac-cines for the Coronavirus. 

5.  The government of the U.S. is calming down after a long season of histrionics and nega-tivity from a former government leader. 

6.  Many of our loved ones are still around, and so are we. 

    Yes, life is tough.  Awkward even.  We may not be able to change our circum-stances but we can change how we respond to them. 

   It reminds me of two friends who had a chance encounter.  The first fellow said, "How are you?"  The second replied, "I'm okay, under the circumstances."  The first person said, "What are you doing there?"

 

   With a positive, grateful mindset we can live on top of our circum-stances.  We do this by asking ourselves, "How can I show kindness towards..."  You name it, depression, fear, loneliness.  When we apply healthier responses we are creating a better today. 

    Wishing you a fantastic week.  I know mine will be.