There is Something Good in Every Day

“Every day may not be a good day but there is something good in every day.” – Anonymous

As I write on my son’s twenty-second birthday, the coronavirus ravages the United States surpassing nearly 1.1 million infections and 64,000 deaths.  These are rather bleak days.  No end is in sight.  The federal government, led by the Trump and Pence Administration, evidences extraordinarily little competence.  The average American citizen has minimal scientific and factual data with which to make informed decisions about the health and lives of the people for whom he is responsible.  Last week, in the inanest press conference ever held by a U. S. President, Trump seriously suggested that Americans absorb ultra-violet heat and inject liquid disinfectants as preventive measures to combat coronavirus.  At that media briefing, he asked health professionals to validate his absurdity.  A day later, he unsuccessfully attempted to characterize his suggestion as sarcasm in response to an unfriendly question from a reporter.  A feeding frenzy of late-night comedians exposes how profoundly disturbed and unprepared the current American President and Vice President are to lead in this pivotal healthcare, economic and social crisis.  The solemn and sober thoughts of an Irish leader crystallize the current disposition of the United States.  “Once, we admired the United States, some of us hated you and others were jealous of you.  Now, we simply pity you.”  As we practice social distancing and obey appropriate and reasonable stay at home orders, we face the hard reality that the people running our country do not have a single clue as to resolving this pandemic.  I hasten to exclude the governors of the most populous states and mayors of densely populated cities from this acerbic condemnation.  Their rational measures and common sensical governing continues to impede growing infections and rising death rates.  Nonetheless, amidst the darkness, decline and death of this current crisis, there is always something for which I can and will give thanks.

This anonymous author reminds us that each day affords us an opportunity for gratitude.  Today, my heart overflows with immeasurable thanks for my beloved son who remains a blessing to his mother, sister, our extended family, his friends and me.  Despite the social distancing orders, a group of his friends drove by the house in a caravan.  They stopped briefly to wish him a happy birthday and share gifts.  I found their homemade cards to be most impressive.  Though it was not my birthday, I felt deeply touched by their random act of kindness.  They demonstrated the incalculable love that I feel for my son.  Their deeds were like a thousand lights shining in the darkness.  What a wonderful gift of appreciation and celebration of my son!

Beyond my son’s birthday, today was another average day of social distancing and staying at home during coronavirus in the greater New York City metropolitan area.  I wrote for a few hours before completing a virtual hiring interview.  Afterwards, I went for a five-mile walk.  I am resolved that I will not gain an ounce of weight during this challenge.  Whereas I may not lose any weight, I know that I will not gain any pounds.  Multitasking, I removed clothes from the dryer and folded them as I started another load.  Then, I took a shower before sitting down for my son’s special birthday meal of ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and baked potatoes.  His sister made and decorated a cake to his specifications.  After the meal, we went to our silently chosen corners of the house to continue watching the latest Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video series that interests us.  I, however, turned on my laptop to compose this column.

My day, in the estimation of many people, was probably uneventful.  Some of my friends would holler aloud because of the boredom and monotony.  Yet, I had a blast.  Moreover, I give thanks for the amazingly simply but incredible gifts and blessings that filled today.  I began with writing which is a talent and strength of mine.  It brings me great joy as I see words form on the page.  I relish in listening to the muse of creativity, voice, uniqueness, passion and mystery.  I am appreciative of God for this gift with which I advocate for vulnerable persons who are unable to speak for themselves.  Also, I write the stories of common folk, argue for a more just and equitable society, share my spiritual journey with fellow Christian disciples and pilgrims of other faith traditions and exchange ideas with countless persons who share my love of reading, writing and lifelong learning.  Maintaining in a bewildering and difficult space of looking for a job amidst a pandemic and being unemployed in my mid-fifties, nevertheless, I am thankful for the virtual interview I had.  I ask God for a position that is right for me, accords with His will and adheres to His divine design for my life.