Gifts of Appreciation

With my State, County, and City mandating closures of restaurants, limiting large gatherings, working from and staying home whenever possible, the number of activities we engage in has drastically shrunk.  This global pandemic has reminded us of how interconnected we are, the freedoms we have experienced in exploring our world, and what happens when we close borders and limit interaction.  Social distancing -- necessary to slow the tide of sickness and death -- has separated us from a key aspect of what it means to be human:  the understanding of Who We Are is being tested.

Outside of work hours, I am cleaning closets, going through old photo albums, and remembering earlier times when I gathered things and memories.  And, when the weather is good, I am outside, planting for the summer and fall harvest.

In my mind, Life goes on -- with an appreciation of the past, thankfulness for the present, and hope for the future.

Can we remember the beauty we've seen and experienced?
(Sunset over Cabo San Lucas, Baja California)

But, the question of "Who are We?" haunts me.  It is as if recent nationalistic tendencies are being forced to their extremes as countries -- wisely -- close their borders.  These closures, though, are not focused on people and ideologies as in recent arguments, but on slowing the spread of this virus.

Could it be that we need to heal the mental virus of separation and division that has infected us as well?

Are we able to reflect on what we are seeing now?
(Tahitian Sunset, Papeete, Tahiti)

As I plant vegetable seeds for future harvest, I wonder:

• Who Will We Become when this emergency passes?
• Will the borders of our minds remain closed to other ideas and possibilities?
• What are we learning from these frightful days?

Would sharing of knowledge and acceptance of others' facts and experiences earlier have helped everyone globally?  Could we have responded quicker?

Are we willing to look for a brighter future
beyond these frightful days?
(Sunrise at Sea)

In my life, there has always been a silver lining to every cloud -- but only if I waited patiently and looked for it.  What are the silver linings you are experiencing now with loved ones and work colleagues?

Talking about our fears and worries is important!  Equally important are the discussions of what we like or don't like about past and present behavior.

Who are we?  Who shall we become?

What are your thoughts?

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)

 A friend shared this "Prayer for a Pandemic"
(by Fr. Larry Tensi, Archdiocese of Cincinnati)
~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~