For thirty years, family and friends have gathered on July 1 to celebrate our granddaughter, Vanessa’s birthday. Nearly fifty attended last year. Most of us travel one, two, and more, hours one way for this special celebration. Vanessa, loves her giant birthday party. Being developmentally delayed, this year Vanessa must trust her parents to set up her party safely within the COVID-19 restrictions. We love Vanessa and getting together, but we don’t want to jeopardize ourselves or others. How will we celebrate safely?
My son cares deeply about his community and country, and loves his daughter. Following the guidelines carefully, he has planned the party. Starting with Tom and I, the only grandparents, at 10 a.m., the immediate family have been invited, a few at a time, to come and celebrate with Vanessa for two hours, on their deck. Every gift and every chair will be thoroughly cleaned before the next little group arrives. Using the bathroom will entail a scrub down every time, as well. And we will all do as asked. It won’t be the same. Social distancing means no playtime in the pool and no hugs. My son and daughter-in-law will be totally exhausted keeping quarantine regulations all day but they will do it for Vanessa and Canada. I am so proud of them.
In our western society, we are not used to giving up our pleasure for the sake of our country, or strangers, or even our family. It’s common to believe and act on the following statements: “I can have it. I’m worth it. What harm can it do? Our group is fine.” It’s so easy to forget it only takes one infected person to start the snowball rolling.
Keeping Covid 19 restrictions requires extra time, expertise, and creativity. Staying motivated requires determination and commitment. Whether it’s as simple as wearing a mask, or as complicated as finding new ways to protest the injustices of this world or celebrate Canada’s birthday, we can do it. We have the gifts, the strength and the wisdom. After all, we’ve been doing it.
Whether it’s Canada Day celebrations, a political gathering or a family party, let’s keep following the guidelines. It’s the loving thing to do.
Jesus said, “This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” (Matthew 10:41-42)
Today’s Faith by Rev. Janet Stobie
