Wouldn't it be nice if ...

Gorda Baths on Tortuga
With Covid-19 running rampant in so many places and us "staying the blazes home" in response to social distancing directives, the need to break free seems to be growing exponentially.  I lament the loss of freedom and the ability to exercise my wanderlust, as do any of you who are reading this.  My plans for May are in utter ruins; a trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon carefully planned with excitement now but a thought.  Wouldn't it be nice if the Covid pandemic never happened?

My own musings betray my selfish desires; the disheartened state I find myself in is just a tiny bit of inconvenience compared to the sufferings experienced by so many others.  The news reports daily human casualties and global financial woes which are enough to break the spirit of anyone.  Loss of life, family, job, hope, and freedom has buried the hearts of so many.  Surely there must be something positive to dwell on.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was.

One thing I think we have discovered, something which recurs time and again in light of the human condition, is that in times of trouble people rise to the occasion.  Wars, pandemics, droughts, depressions, and natural disasters tend to bring out the best in people.  True, there are those that seek to take advantage of such situations for personal gain - but I find that they do not represent humanity as a whole.  The true meaning of community tends to emerge from the ashes of defeat.  Those who can help those who cannot.  Isn't it nice that this is true?

No, there is no sense in wishing or closing your eyes to the plight upon us; the best course is to do your best in spite of the difficulties.  Remember things to be thankful for and find things in your life that reflect the blessings you have.  When in trouble, seek help.  Someone will be there.  When you see need, help, for you can be that someone.  There is risk in coming to the aid of others, but it is that very thing that makes a community.  A single person may not be able to do much by themselves, but people bent on succeeding, even thriving, is indomitable.  Isn't it nice that you are part of that group?

So, why have I put a picture of a Caribbean beach on my blog.  It is there to remind us that this will be over, and we can continue on with our lives.  Each trial we have faced has had a beginning, a middle, and an end.  We are in the middle now, the end is coming.  When it does, you can continue doing the things you love.  Won't that be nice?

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen

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