Year 7 Pastoral Guardian

As the veil of COVID 19 restrictions is gently lifted, I ponder the question: How has this extraordinary time in our history impacted on me personally?  To my surprise I have found the exercise somewhat cathartic and one that fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy and sense of gratitude.

Joy for the love of family and friends, the joy that simple pleasures bring, the joy of just, being.  Gratitude for being blessed with those in my life, gratitude for a newfound appreciation of the freedoms we experience living in this beautiful country of ours.  It is a time that has strengthened my sense of what is really important to me and it has been a time of compassion, strength, resilience, and consideration of others.

While my wife and I have isolated we have witnessed a surge of connection.  Not physical, no handshakes, no hugs, but in the presence (even 1.5 metres apart), in the smiles, and in the conversations of our neighbours.  We became very innovative - wining and dining over neighbourhood fences, family gatherings on Zoom; we connected like never before.  I took stock of this and slowed the frantic pace of pre-COVID life to focus on what really matters. I have reset.

The question now begs: Do I look forward to going back to the way things were?  The answer is: "No".  I have changed.  I think we all have, and for the better.  I want us to continue to care, to consider, to be compassionate, and to make time for one another. 

In spite of all the suffering and sadness around the world inflicted by this awful disease, in many ways COVID-19 has been the catalyst for some of the finest traits of humanity.  I will choose to remember the year 2020, not as the year of fear and disaster, but one of personal renewal.

Conversation Starters

1. What do you appreciate in light of COVID-19?
2. With the lifting of restrictions, what are you going to do?
3. How has this experience changed you?

Michael Butterworth