Never since live church have I heard "grace" so many times as I have in these year's of Covid, and I'm using it too. I did a double check with a colleague to verify that we were on the same page on interpreting a proposal, and we were. She emailed a bit later to apologize for how she phrased her response, as she thought perhaps she came off rude. I did not think her rude, and responded "...by now after all this working together...we have a circle of trust to let those moments slip with grace even IF intended." Yeah, we sure all need a bit more grace, a bit of courteous goodwill and tolerance, in our lives these days.
While there are probably a few people that don't feel their lives have been disrupted, or at least changed due to the global pandemic, they know people impacted. Minimally, the vast amount of public resources in time, resources and money being spent on Covid instead of other needs and priorities impacts us all and will for some time. Recognizing that while we are all in the same storm, as the saying goes, but not the same boats and having empathy for those impacted more negatively is one way grace manifests. As every day seems closer, yet so far away from normalcy, I'm even trying to muster all the grace I can for the nay sayers and those that truly believe the government is out to control and that's all this is. These are the hardest people for me to listen to, to tolerate that they are welcome to their views-even if they are not welcome to act upon them at the expense of me and my family.
(Edit-apparently my comments were copied and pasted from Treaders post a few days ago on another blog that off and on has referred to Covid precautions, mask wearing etc. as Government control, and had many links to debunked "experts". Full disclosure-my comments were not a "grace" moment. As I think I once posted somewhere, that if I am wrong and all is is one big hoax, that every nations government is in on it, along with the WHO, my safety precautions do no harm to others. However, if the Covid Hoaxers/Covidiots are wrong, their self centered actions put others at risk. In a decent society which makes more sense? I truly was a Cow making a remark about being "cheaper than convenience store toilet paper"-the stuff in the restrooms, not shelf. That was rude, and I apologize.)
Last week the east got dumped on with snow. We had a big snow Wednesday night into Thursday and now are in the deep polar vortex. It was -2F (-19C) with wind chills of -25F (-31C) this morning and not expecting to get warmer for at least a week. This is Minnesota life-every year we get a few bouts of big snow. Every year we are dropped in an arctic cold spell-to expect different is silly. Yet, crabbing on the school district page about only main roads being plowed as late as Friday morning which left some of the side bus routes impassable had many parents frustrated. Probably more so this year since our elementary school kids have just been back to in-person school full time since mid January. Someone from the company/group that plows the rural route posted a response, not making excuses, but stating reality, and asking for grace. The tone of the posts after changed dramatically.
Book club was fun last night. As anticipated, book discussion was perhaps 20 minutes, and laughing about other life events, binge streaming "naughty" shows, and kids, spouses, and pets popping in had us laughing at nothing in particular. After it was over, DH commented that it was a rowdy book club as he could hear the laughing from a couple rooms away. Tying book club to grace, from my other book club-the one that has been paused since last March, and who knows if it will start again- we read Ordinary Grace by William Kruger. While it has a religious nature, don't let that put you off if not your thing. The story and writing is excellent, and the religious aspect is almost like a character/setting rather than it being the focus of the book.
I don't think I will be leaving the house today except to walk pup. I can make a menu out of what we have here-even if DH is not thrilled, but he has his teen age boy stock pile of snacks now, so should be happy. Last nights ground beef enchilada casserole was a big hit and between that, other leftovers, and football food, I'm feeling no sense of urgency to grocery shop. Pup is good for a few more days and DH can grab milk, bread, eggs, and a bit of veg and fruit on his way home from work since he'll already be out. I could bundle and walk to the store too as it seems dumb to start the car. I've got more than enough housework, work-work, and laundry that needs to be done to fill my Saturday.
I thought this little mash up was funny. I hope it gives you a smile and if not, please let me have some grace for my odd sense of humor
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Good to remember grace, but, frankly, I find it hard to extend it to, what you call, the "naysayers." In fact, it's almost impossible for me, since we know they would, if given the chance, act on their views at the expense of others.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has turned warm, but gray and rainy, with what are known as "sunbreaks." They last barely long enough for us to grab our coats and get outside!
No Super Bowl for me. I'm not a sports fan at all, and have never watched a football game in its entirety. I can't bear it. Actually, the only sports fan in the house is DH, which is fine. He enjoys Sunday football, and the rest of us pursue other interests.
Plans today are to marinate the steaks for grilling tonight. Beyond that, I have nothing scheduled, but those days always seem, somehow, to become the busiest! Enjoy your weekend, and thank you for the reminder about grace.
I too get frustrated as we see time over time, these unmasked and non-distanced events and gatherings that end up spiking a chain of positives, which down the line know someone will end up hospitalized or worse. I have always been a football fan of the game, not the spectacle, so if a good game I'll watch. DH loves football, and once the Super Bowl is over, he switches to diving into basketball, but more so college than pro. We both come form sports families, so part of our DNA I guess.
DeleteI believe people are entitled to their opinions but it's difficult when their "naysaying" can have such a direct and deadly effect on others isn't it. Is it REALLY so difficult or such an "offence" to your sensibilities to wear a mask for the short time you're in a shop if it might mean just one person is spared? I don't know. I like the sound of your book club though - I could see that being something I would enjoy! Stay safe (and stay warm - your temperatures sound horrendous)!
ReplyDeleteI'll never understand it, but granted, do not get panicky. I just would not want to risk and would likely come up with alternatives if I truly couldn't wear a mask. Those that protest just to protest are selfish jerks, because it is part of public health. Those that tie it to politics and government control just have me baffled and I'm going to be rude again, deserve Darwin's theory of evolution to kick them in the ass. .
DeleteThe world can use a lot more grace. I also find it hard to tolerate the naysayers,as Meg says,most would act on their views. But arguments don't work with them, so I find it best to leave it alone. As to the cold out there, it's not unusual just people tend to forget. Stay warm. Grace and peace to you, Celie
ReplyDeleteI've had to leave it alone as well, but fortunately I go out very seldom and see compliance. DH hasn't had issues in the store, and he also keeps a 6 foot space when a this desk or outside with people.
DeleteBe careful walking on any roadway, or walk beside it when roads are bad. Too many people are going off half-cocked about everything these days. It seems there are not enough moderating voices. It is funny that your husband called the group 'rowdy.'
ReplyDeleteI hate walking hi on the road in the winter, but it has been nice that the city has kept the walking/bike path clear so we have waked in and out of the park-just having little bouts on the road coming out one part of the park and entering in another. I won't even do that if it is dark already. DH thought it was funny how much we laughed-he was kidding when he used the word rowdy-he knows I miss getting together with the mom friends.
DeleteGood to hear you are enjoying your book club. We all need to get a little 'rowdy' now and then. It's good for the soul. Stay warm this week!
ReplyDeleteOne gal is just so funny, and then it builds up. by spring well at least be able to meet outside-even if we have to bundle up.
DeleteYou're a good person SAM, and like all of us, you sometimes have a bad day, when the naysayers and their conspiracy theories are just one thing too many. Xx
ReplyDeleteI don't take back my comment, just admit it was said wihtout grace. I'm tired of conspiracy theorists on the virus, the election, all of it. I regret being rude and snarky about money/cheapness.
DeleteThanks for the reminder about grace, both for myself and others. I love your comment that your safety precautions do no harm to others. I still find it hard to understand the naysayers.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your book club.
Stay safe and warm this weekend.
That's what bothers me-the "I'll do what I want and don't care about other human beings" mentality, and then claiming it's about freedom and liberty. I've been cozy al weekend so far-really bundled up for the dogs walk though. he love sit outside, so I had to make him come in after his duty.
DeleteI can't believe she copied that blog and comments and just threw it on her page .never mind the dint get the Vax comments she has on her page. Some people I have different sharing grace with to say the least.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame-she was an eccentric, but interesting blogger. I love reading about different ways of living in different parts of the world than my own. I just can't handle people promoting potentially harmful content-then using a disclaimer "but do your own research" after posting widely debunked claims and theories. The copy and paste things-if Treader isn't bothered, I won't be as it is her blog, but I think the action proved the point Treader made and I and others agreed with-trying to pot stir.
DeleteHoly guacamole, it's a cold one. You're right though, it's not unusual for Minnesota, but it is a little late in the season. We always associate the really cold temps with January and are wanting to be hopeful that February will start to bring us towards that early Spring we all dream of. Enchiladas seem to be the meal of choice lately. Out my Window made chicken enchiladas this past week and you and your beef enchilada hotdish and I made meatless enchiladas for supper last night and will warm up for supper tonight. Also looking forward to a big mug of hot chocolate with a couple of fat marshmallows in it. Yum. Stay warm, as everything that has been doled out to us, this too will pass. Ranee (MN)
ReplyDeleteA colleague up in Mahnomen posted temperature of -19, not wind chill! Remember two years ago when the Polar Vortex hit the end of February and even into the first weekend of March? I remember flu season hit awfully hard that year as well. My daughter's last show choir competition before Nationals was the Saturday and I was a volunteer and remember loading the busses and everyone practically had our fingers froze! The following Monday was their winter concert and dozens of kids were out sick and I remember the director starting with acknowledging that cold and illness didn't dampen the kids singing!
DeleteI didn't catch what happened with the blog comments being copied, but sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteI'm so tired of hearing the complaints about wearing masks. Seriously. We all dislike it. It's inconvenient to everyone. But, I'm trying to keep you safe, please do the same. I want my kids to go back to school. I want people to be able to go back to work. I want people to stop dying from COVID. Let's all at least work together! So yes, apparently I have a heckuva time extending grace to the naysayers as well.
Despite the above, I too am working on extending more grace to others. ;-)
In positive news, I've had an utterly relaxing day & am following it up with takeout Greek food, cupcakes & the kids & M have been spoiling me. I tossed the to do list, and have enjoyed myself.
No big deal, but a few of us who had our comments cut and pasted to another blog were given the heads up that we might expect some visceral comments coming our way. I looked at what I had commented, which while I still feel the same way, my comments were less than full of grace-ironically fitting my blog post, which is why I added the edit. Are you the birthday girls? Good for you for letting the boys pamper you.
DeleteThe world could definitely use more grace. I've tried with the naysayers but even if I don't show my true feelings on the outside, I still feel it inside, and I'm sure you can only imagine how pissed off I am that my husband and I aren't even going to be able to go to our own sons wedding reception because his fiancée's extended family are anti-masking naysayers!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed your book club Sam. Enjoy the super bowl tomorrow too. Stay in, stay warm, and stay safe :)
I feel so bad for your situation. It sucks for couples postponing weddings, and for families and friends that take this virus serious and are left behind when the people that supposedly love you, don't care about putting you at risk. I sure hope no one ends up very sick or worse form their wedding. That would tarnish the day for the rest of my life if it was me.
DeleteI’ve said it a million times, the mask doesn’t bother me in the least. I enjoy hiding behind it, I usually get sick a few times a year and haven’t (knock on wood). I don’t have to smile lol. I don’t even think about it once I put it on. I do wear one 30 plus hours a week at work though, so I don’t have a choice anyway. It’s cold and windy today but not frigid, that’s on its way later in the week. Got some groceries, snacks for tomorrow. It’ll just be the five of us but I feel like making a big deal out of the Super Bowl for some reason. Might walk down the street and pick up some wings from the local bar but if I don’t I got a big cheese pizza from Aldi for 3.99, daughter is making a crockpot of spinach dip, I’ll make Buffalo chicken dip, maybe some lil smokies wrapped in crescent dough, brownies, some veggies and dip. I miss party food! JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI'm going to do some vegan brownie's too. One way to use up bananas! I love the Aldi pizza's-the Mama something or other. We get the supreme-its massive and actually loaded with a lot of veggies.
DeleteWell we all need a lot more patience and grace during these times. Sometimes that is very hard, as the political climate is so hostile. I don't know if covid has made it worse, but I think it has. I am sorry we all have to deal with this, but we do....
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of public health being so political in my entire life. I think the politics of the world has made the virus crisis worse-not the other way around, IMHO.
DeleteHail full of grace!
ReplyDeleteNo Hail Mary's in my house though-just trying for ordinary grace. i fail too often me thinks.
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