I often listen to NPR in the mornings because I can receive the signal of a station that plays a wonderful music mix. Today, the announcer is broadcasting from home and has requested to hear from others who are stuck at home, as well. He said he misses his co-workers, but the upside is that he gets to be at home with his dog. Clearly, those who are outgoing and social by nature will be more challenged by the forced “stay at home” orders.
This situation can do no less than cause people to re-think their priorities. As I watch the birds outside my windows, they are going about business as usual. I watch the mother starling feeding her hatchlings at the entrance to the small hole, in the tree where she has made her nest. The male patrols from the outer branches to keep intruders away. Other species know intuitively that their only priorities are survival and successfully raising their young. Many human beings have allowed their egos to have control over their lives, but challenges like we are now facing tend to make us stop and consider what is most important to us. This pandemic is creating the opportunity for many to hush the loud rantings of their ego so that they can hear the quiet whisperings of their heart.
If you are confined at home, this is your opportunity to look for the good in your situation. We can be grateful if we remain healthy while so many have been infected by the virus. We can be grateful if we have a roof over our head and if we have food for today. We must not worry about tomorrow, but be thankful for what we have now. The little things are what truly matter. And all of those little things added up together make up a big and wonderful life, in spite of the outer appearance. Watch the birds and see how they just keep on keeping on, regardless of what confronts them. We should do the same. Our priorities can change and we can re-purpose ourselves if we are guided to do so. We can see this crack in the fabric of our lives and know the light will get in.
