Remember March, 2020? When this mess all began, and messages of “We’re in this together” flooded our newsfeeds, hearts, and minds? In those early uncertain days many of us simply did what was suggested despite the inconvenience, in hopes of minimizing the effects of this new viral event. We waited, and the effect appeared minimal. We were all had questions about what the best path was, and many questioned the decisions of our government. The seemingly arbitrary decisions around “essential” and “non-essential” were the hardest part of it for many. With caution the Alberta government released the restrictions and life had some semblance of normality. To some, this easing of restrictions was too slow, as they did not agree with the restrictions from the start. To others, it was perhaps viewed as reckless. To his credit, our premier apologized for those early decisions around “essential” and n”non-essential”. Perhaps those poorly made early choices eroded public trust. Perhaps the uncertainty of what is to come caused unrest. Perhaps we all just grew tired of it all.
Whatever the reason, as time has marched on, it seems the love has marched on out. Different viewpoints on vaccination, restrictions/mandates, and even whether or not this is a serious health event have caused divides that may permanently alter some relationships. Divisiveness on these issues exists between family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and people of the same faith group. Proverbial battle lines have been drawn, and these lines have been set based on viral issues rather than the more traditional issues of common interests, political affiliation, or faith. “The covid issues” seem to be the new dividing and unifying lines.
I must admit, I have held separation in my heart due to these issues at times. I have intentionally tried to keep an open mind and heart, but when hearing the words of people from either of the extreme polls I have struggled. Myself, I feel peace and certainty in regards to some of the choices I have and will make in response to “this issue”, but on other points I am uncertain. I find some of my opinions are not so set. To an extent this is a blessing, as it allows me to be open to the position of others. At the same time, it creates in me an uncomfortable uncertainty, an unrest.
At the end of the day, I have decided the only correct position in this all is one of love. I cannot afford to harbour division in my heart; to group people into column A, B, or C. We may not all have the same view, but we ARE all in this together. My actions may seem to you to be counter-productive, and I may see yours in the same way. However, despite our opinions on this, are we not all doing what we hope and believe is best? We each need to check our OWN heart, and be open to the idea that we may not be seeing the whole picture. We must be open to the possibility of shifting or pivoting as more information becomes available. Above all, we must walk in love with those around us, dropping our judgement of their hearts (especially when we disagree with their actions), and being sensitive to their weaknesses. I hope and pray those of a different opinion will be sensitive to my weaknesses as well, and I believe they will be. When we raise the standard and walk in love I believe others quite often choose to meet us there.
I am doing the best I can with this all, while at times being struck with waves of uncertainty. I choose to believe you are doing the same, whether your views are the same as mine or not.
Kyla
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