As I went on my morning walk, I saw a few cars driving through my neighborhood. Some were probably going to the grocery store. Some were heading out to do their job that has been deemed “essential” in the midst of this COVID-19 Crisis.
These folks in essential jobs are to be praised. Some are serving on the front line in fighting this virus, caring for others, or keeping important parts of our infrastructure running. Some are working in health care and so many other critical fields. Some are staffing nursing homes. Some are putting their lives at risk by just doing their job. I say THANK YOU.
And then there is all of the rest of us. We are scrambling to find a way to survive with our “non-essential” businesses, small or large. Everybody is being sent home, to work from home somehow. (Many also have kids at home now too. Trying to work from home when the kids are home, now that’s a challenge.) Suddenly the whole world is doing Zoom and Skype teleconferencing (to the point that many of us are already growing weary of teleconferencing).
In the midst of this, ALL of us are facing uncertain times. Many of us are facing isolation like we never have before. We have lost our jobs. Some of us are scared because we have a friend, family member, loved one who has contracted the Corona Virus, or maybe has even died from it, or maybe some of you are about to have a baby, or maybe you are battling cancer, or …
If you are a “non-essential” you are still so very essential.
I miss actually seeing my friends, colleagues, family, etc. in person. I miss being able to teach my photography classes in person. I miss all of you fellow non-essentials, and have to affirm just how totally essential you are.
About halfway through my walk this morning, I came across this:
All I can say is yes, yes, yes. Even though we “nonessentials” are on “lockdown” we face opportunities every day to be encouragers of one another. Someone simply taking the time to go out and make chalk art on their driveway made my life better today.
Let’s spend our time doing creative things to be encouragers of one another. Let’s practice loving our neighbors in ways we might not have ever though of (you come up with your own ideas). Beyond just teleconferencing with people, maybe put into practice just calling a friend when you think of them, just to talk, and see how they are doing.
Find the positive in the midst of the trials we are facing. Encourage others to do the same. In doing this, we are ALL ESSENTIAL.
Stay safe my friends,
Kevin Gourley
