The intensity of the communication, numbers of those infected, new regulations, school closings and protective measures have permeated our news, our government and our communities regarding COVID-19. As for Lakeside, all our schools have been closed and we have had to retool all our work with our students to be on-line and remote. It is more than frightening for so many to see a pandemic that is so contagious and powerful.
I honestly believe that in every crisis there is opportunity for finding the very best of mankind. In a country that is so divided in many ways this has a way of bringing us all together around the difficult issues that we share as we deal with such a powerful virus.
We have a great opportunity to be creative, to defer to our fellow man, to protect those who are vulnerable and to witness incredible heroism of those who are on the front lines of helping those who need testing and care. We witness our government, our medical professionals, our military, our businesses, our churches and our communities rising up and working cooperatively to meet vital and significant needs.
We are asked to lay aside our schedules and conveniences for each other as we participate in social distancing. We have opportunity to help others who have specific practical needs. We can choose not to over-purchase items but to share needed products with others. We see how some companies are paying their employees to stay home and be protected. We have opportunities to help those who cannot work by providing food and other resources. Our churches can reach out to congregants to provide for a variety of practical needs. On the nightly news I even saw a church pastor giving communion to his congregation members, to meet their spiritual needs, as they drove by in their cars.
We also are learning that the conveniences we so value can take a second seat to the protection of our fellow citizens. At a very basic level we are valuing each other by taking sacrificial measures to be careful, conservative and protective not only for our own safety but for those we encounter each day. We are having regular discussions with our friends, family members and neighbors about how to take measures to prevent transmission of this virus.
In my mind this is a significant and unique opportunity to be good stewards of all those in our lives. It is global, national, state-wide and community-based and leads right into our everyday lives at home. It is truly an opportunity for human stewardship where the very best of any of us can emerge and have an impact that is truly caring for those around us.
As you deal with the frustrations, changes and inconveniences maybe this is a time to create a paradigm shift that gives us a new lens. This is a perspective that works to hold up those around you. It reframes our world to be so much more selfless and able to sacrifice for and share with each other. Perhaps this is one of our greatest moments of caretaking for our own families and for anyone in our sphere of influence. What an amazing opportunity to teach our children how powerful it can be to truly be altruistic and to be caregivers of those around them during a historic health crisis. I hope that perspective can drive us to be helpers and hopeful to those around us. Please be safe as we journey together in this new adventure of human stewardship.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
