People around the world now face an uncertain future - unprecedented struggles and in far too many cases, tragedy and loss. We share a deep sense of helplessness as we are isolated from one another.
photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova
What can we do? All that we can.
The media is flooded with heart-warming stories of people rising above and beyond for others during these terrible days. It helps to focus on these stories, and to be open to any ways that we also can contribute.
Wherever possible - in letters, emails, phone calls, etc. - we can do our best to replace fears, anger, and grief with words and actions rooted in love.
We can listen. We can care.
We can shore up our inner resources. We can take more time for quiet reflection and take stock of our path. We can express our creativity in some new ways. We can determine to live in a state of gratitude for what we do have. We can decide to let go of old resentments, or fears that no longer serve us. As we fill our souls with more warmth, we can be more ready to be there for others as they need us.
Maybe we will be brought down by illness, or called upon to grieve, or to sit with others as they are frightened and grieving.
Together we struggle to find meaning in these tragedies, and that is what we can offer - to be there, whether in person, in spirit, or in prayer.
It is at these times that our deepest values emerge.