What the Pandemic Hasn't Taken Away

 What's the old saying?  "May you live in interesting times."  That's certainly true for 2020.  We've had a pandemic, social unrest, unemployment, a downturn in the economy, a hotly and often nastily contested election, wildfires, hurricanes, and this week the death of an icon--Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

Yesterday during his sermon for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, our rabbi spoke of the  losses the pandemic has inflicted on us and added that one thing we haven't lost is hope.  We still have hope for the future, one that may be different from our lives before COVID, but hope nevertheless.

I would add that there are other things the pandemic hasn't robbed us of--love, compassion, forgiveness, memory and legacy.

We still cherish those we love--our families, friends, neighbors--and even though we may not be able to see them in person, even if we may not be able to touch or hug them--that love hasn't disappeared.  It comes across however we interact--by phone or email or Zoom or even through a window.  That love helps us through these times.

We can still feel compassion for others--those who have lost someone to COVID or are suffering from it themselves, those who are lonely or confused or without work that once sustained them.  If we are able, we can donate to organizations that alleviate their suffering.

Next week in the Jewish calendar is the Day of Atonement on which we ask forgiveness for wrongs we have done in the past year,, but I think it's even more important to forgive others.  Holding a grudge is painful and unhealthy.  Someone may have hurt you unintentionally or on purpose.  Let it go.  Life is easier that way for both of you.

No matter what's happening around us, we still have our memories that we can cherish.  Often they remind us that what's going on around us isn't forever.  We can look back on other times in our lives and remember that we survived the painful times  For me, the most painful time, literally, was when I was 19 and caught fire from a gas heater.  I remind myself that if I could have survived that, I can deal with anything.

And we have our values that we can pass on to those who come after us.  I give workshops on writing legacy letters, to encourage people to share their values, their wisdom, their experiences, and their life stories.  What better gift can you give?

I encourage you to keep in mind all the pandemic hasn't taken away and be grateful for the things we cannot lose,.