Living with Uncertainty
I heard a medical professional say in the last week that one of the greatest challenges with this virus is the uncertainty. We know so little. How long really is the incubation period? Will it come back? This was from someone relatively highly informed. So how about us poor plebs not so medically educated? I must say I have been distressed by some of the things circulated by friends of mine who simply should have known better e.g. ‘The disease dies above 26/27 degrees Celsius.’ Really? The human body is warmer than that and it seems to be living there. These women are university educated. Did they turn their brains off?
Maybe they did. Uncertainty can do that to us. We start clutching at straws and common sense goes out the window. So, let’s start with the basics. Two of the things we do know are: we need good hygiene and we need to look after each other. With good hygiene, we are looking after ourselves and stopping the virus spread. Looking after each other, we are strengthening the emotional bonds that are essential for a good life. I have been impressed by some of the ways, often creative, by which people are helping each other. Just this morning, a local butcher shop has offered home delivery to those who are quarantined. Good for them, and us.
Uncertainty is part of human existence. It can close us down which leads to selfish and wacky behavior or it can open us up to appreciate who and what we have now. We have to go through this period of uncertainty. We are all in this together. Let us pray asking God to enlighten our minds and hearts that we may deeply care for each other so much and so creatively, that these times of social isolation actually led to stronger families and better communities.
Loving God, open my mind and heart to the mystery of this present time. May the uncertainty I feel be an opportunity to come closer to you and to those I love. Give me the wisdom to calmly care for my family, friends and community. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb