Two days ago, I saw this post on the page of a Facebook friend. The sentiments conveyed in this writing made an impression on me. I pray the words below will do the same for you.
WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT…
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it is not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis & mental health crisis. Some are safe in their homes while others must go into the front line and face this virus head on.
For some that live alone, they’re facing endless loneliness. While for others, it is peace, rest, & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters. This can also be a time where someone is literally trapped with an abusive partner or parent.
With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales. Some don’t qualify.
Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.
Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk, and eggs for the weekend.
Some want to go back to work because they don’t qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.
Some were thrilled that school ended abruptly because they struggled or were being bullied. Others are missing some of the most important events of their lives and didn’t get to say a proper goodbye.
Some wear masks in public. Some choose not to. Some don’t have them.
Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Some have had it and survived. Some have had it and don’t even know it.
Some are carrying it. Others don’t believe this is a big deal.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.
So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking; actually, seeing.
We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey. Be kind. Don’t judge. Love. Not just now but when the storm passes, and we prepare for the next one.