The Bigger Picture

Big Picture by Paula Bailey
The Bigger Picture – by Arnie Wohlgemut

Not to repeat what we have heard over and over again, but the truth is; life right now is different.  For many of you, it is vastly different than what you had hoped for in this season of life.

With the future uncertain, we are not able to see what the future holds or the bigger picture.

“We have been willfully social distancing ourselves from each other for years through technology and devices.  Now we have been given what we wanted, only to realize that is not what we want. We find this social distancing is causing anxiety.”

Abdu Murray

For years, I have followed society’s norm, slowly drifting towards ‘social distancing’ through the increased use of social media and the devices I have in my hands.  I have even jokingly said; “I look forward to ‘Social Distancing’ on my terms”.

Now, several months into this lock-down, I am convinced this is NOT the norm I want.  As John C Maxwell said, “Choices make us. Crisis reveals us”.

Starting today, I will determine what my new normal will be when this is over. These are my thoughts:

  1. Encouragement to others is something everyone can give. Being an introvert, this does not come naturally. Will you start now and call someone? Use your voice (and your smile over a video chat) to encourage someone today.
  2. Be kind to one another. This requires me to do what I can and simply love my neighbours. I have experienced and witnessed many of my friends leave footprints of kindness wherever they go.
  3. Never let the situation mean more than the relationship. This has been called The Situation Principle and for good reason. Recently I have felt “Zoomed Out” with many online virtual meetings.  A friend reminded me to not let that impact how I treated others. “Your relationships with those in your virtual meetings should mean more than the situation” she said.

Being a person of faith, I am reminded that ‘nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’  It provides opportunities for growth.

“There is meaning in every journey that is unknown to the traveller.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We may never know the meaning of this pandemic for our world and its impact for our lives. Yet, this is our opportunity to reset our version of #community. Join me and shape the future.