Attitude of Gratitude

I think it’s safe to say we are living through unprecedented times. The entire world is in chaos. Our schools and institutions are shut down. Public places are shuttered. The world is at a standstill while a new and dangerous virus terrorizes multiple continents.

At times like these it is easy to spiral into negativity. There is a lot to be worried about. A lot of mistakes will be made. No one knows exactly what to do or how to handle things.  The learning curve is steep and there are already so many missteps we are watching play out.

And yet  there is also a lot to be grateful for. I think we all need to take a pause and shift gears to an attitude of gratitude. If our kids witness us finding the good, especially in times like this, they will look for the good.

Take a few examples from this past week:

I’m amazed when I take a minute to contemplate what has gone on. Last Thursday the governor announced the closing of all public schools and asked private schools to close as well. Immediately our school went into action - and here we are, less than one week later, with a virtual school platform set up and ready to go. Will there be hiccups? I’m sure. Will some things fall through the cracks and get messed up? For sure. But we can’t focus on those things - we have to step back and be amazed at the sheer ingenuity and creativity of the staff. Are the people who have to work from home while guiding their children through this time going to feel some stress? YES but that is not the focal point. The discussions should revolve around the accomplishments and the flexibility. It’s all a matter of where we choose to place the emphasis.

Our synagogue realized it couldn’t hold services in person and within a day the emails were coming with daily learning schedules, prayer times, uplifting videos. Throughout the world Zoom meetings have become the new norm and the praying and learning continued.  Do we feel discombobulated and unbalanced taking away our central hub for religious activities? Of course. But again not the focus.

So many people are stuck home with their families and no other contact. It is stressful. It is also special. They may not be able to appreciate that part but we can try.

We are (hopefully) healthy, our houses have food, we have community. We are blessed with plenty. Try not to focus on the things we don’t have or what we’ve run out of or didn’t stock up on, look at your full cabinets and be grateful.

And like most things, we can lecture them about this from here until next yesterday but if they hear our discussions and we are always finding something to criticize they will follow suit.

So yes, there are loads of issues and challenges. We are not going to be able to keep our panic at bay, our tempers even and happy smiles at all times. But we can try our best to keep an upbeat mood and to focus on what’s going right more than what is wrong. On the accomplishments of our leaders, community, and whoever else instead of our collective mistakes.