Submitted by Brad Inglis
Well, these are strange and interesting days to say the least. I believe that if anything, we will learn a lot about ourselves as we move throughout the various stages of unbelief, denial, fear, anger, acceptance, benevolence and hopefully peace (in no particular order). For us control freaks, we learn that some things are out of our control. For those who go to the beauty parlour to have their hair coloured, they might find o’natural is just fine or at the very least they will forever keep some hair colouring in the cupboard (make no mistake, we’ll know the ones who do it themselves).
For the first time in maybe ever, we are having to look deeply at our own humanity. For the first time in maybe forever, the whole world is on the same page. Even us, in a little village at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, with pristine surroundings, clean water and fresh air, must grapple with the idea that a wayward virus can bring us to our knees. No one is immune. We will all feel the pressures of vulnerability regardless of wealth, age, education, faith or background. This time in history will be written as part of our story and we will always refer to the time of “the virus”. Where were you, how did you cope, did you know anyone who got sick or even died? How do you want to be remembered during this time? Will you remember yourself as a hoarder, immobilized by fear, bitter? Or will you be remembered as a helper?
I think there is tons to be learned from this experience. In most cases, social media has been a great source of information and inspiration. It has been a way of keeping us connected, sharing some of our deepest feelings and helping us find a common thread. There has been room for humour, meaningful stories and the opportunity to see what is important to others.
This is supposed to be a local column, so enough of my wide-ranging blather and dreamy reflections. What does all of this mean on a local level?
It means a whole bucket of gratitude.
Thanks to the staff at Peacock’s for being brave enough to show up and serve all of us (oh…and to Rick and Marlene too for staying open).
Thanks goes to our local medical team and staff who are working behind the scenes ensuring our regular everyday health care needs are met, for their creativity in delivering service and forward thinking and encouragement right from the beginning and recognizing the pending danger.
Thanks to the volunteers who will keep the Foodbank operating on Tuesdays.
Thanks to the many neighbours who are checking in with others, offering to pick things up and also self-isolating when their status is in question.
Thanks to everyone for your kindness and patience and prayers and well wishes in a time when all of the world needs to be embraced with love and gentleness.
I do have an email blast if you are interested and aren’t already one of the poor folks who are regularly harangued by my somewhat constant drivel. It includes upcoming events, links to a variety of Tedtalks that could be of interest, a little of this and that and yes for Sundays I will prepare a short, written service, prayers and reflection for those who appreciate that kind of thing. My email blast is a little like faith – take from it what helps to fill you up and for the rest, you know where the delete button is on your computer. Not everything is for everybody, but take from it what is helpful and soul filling and share with others if you want. Just send me an email and I will include you on the list that always gives you an option to opt out.
The folks from Tobermory United empower me to wander around the community and do what I can to offer comfort, support and share information. They allow me to share ministry beyond the traditional walls of the church and be creative in how we celebrate community – and for this I am grateful.
Please know, if there is anything I can do to help alleviate some of your stress during these uncertain times, you are welcome to contact me at home 519-596-2394 or by email. No one has to be alone.
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
www.tobermoryunited.ca
