In the midst of a pandemic or any other of unexpected challenge or change, a learning opportunity exists. We learn from these seasons of life, and if we take time to reflect on what we’ve learned, we’re preparing ourselves to help others. These short episodes are lifted from life’s lessons, challenging us to make decisions that matter. In a Moment segments are published intermittently, punctuating guest-focused Lead. Learn. Change. episodes. As you listen, reflect on your recent learning, recognize your potential to make a tremendous impact on others’ lives, and take decisive action that will lead to the change you seek to make. Show Notes: Simon Ratcliffe asks a question Levity during times full of heavy hearts Life check Decision prep Relationships Meaningful work Don’t take it for granted Educators never stop serving
Simon Ratcliffe asks a question
Levity during times full of heavy hearts
Life check
Decision prep
Relationships
Meaningful work
Don’t take it for granted
Educators never stop serving
Podcast cover art for Lead. Learn. Change. is a view from Brunnkogel (mountaintop) over the mountains of the Salzkammergut in Austria, courtesy of photographer Simon Berger, published on www.unsplash.com.
Pandemic Lessons
I was asked by fellow podcaster Simon Ratcliffe to share some thoughts about the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, he was seeking reflections on lessons learned during these challenging times.
The response to Simon’s prompt is simultaneously complex and simple, both universal and unique.From where I sit, there have been many lessons learned or reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic and each one, learned by different people in different situations, filling specific roles, will be borne out of personal experience yet will also connect each of us to “the others” because of shared, common threads.
Sure, we can find some levity in the moment. For example, for the first time in my life, it’s okay to go to the bank, wearing a mask, and ask for money. It’s perfectly normal to wash one’s hands 1,259 times a day. Bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer are now badges of good fortune, and both products are flying off of store shelves faster than soft drinks or chips. But this is a serious situation, so for me, the most significant lesson is that this type of situation–one characterized by a significant upheaval of much of what we have come to expect as normal–highlights the importance of having one’s priorities already firmly, clearly and confidently established–but not in an egotistical or smug way, of course. One’s beliefs, values, and worldview establish the single most effective way of coping with the myriad adjustments that must be made in times like these.
If that’s the lesson, then the call to action, the imperative, is to examine all aspects of my life and determine if there are any areas for which I have avoided being prepared. Regardless of the reasons for my indecision, procrastination, or hesitation, I must now take the steps necessary to ensure that the way that I conduct myself causes no harm and benefits as many people as possible–especially those for whom I am most responsible, such as my family, students, colleagues, or anyone else relying on me for critical support.
In other words, I need to so be grounded enough in my thinking and approach that I have “decided how I am going to decide” when situations arise for which I have not specifically planned. I may not be able to know exactly what I will decide, but I can certainly know how that decision will be made, which principles and concepts will serve as the filters for determining the best course of action.
One’s convictions serve as the lens through which every relationship, situation, and decision is viewed. If I begin to doubt this, I’m not being honest with myself because it is a fact that we do act on our beliefs. If you want to know what someone believes, look at what they do. Yes, what someone says is important, but what they do matters most. You have likely heard it said that difficult circumstances do not develop someone’s character, but that they reveal it. Virtually all of us would agree that the current pandemic qualifies as a moment when our character is revealed. Whatever I have done, or whatever you do, in the face of this type of situation does indeed reflect and reveal what I, or you, believe.
That being said, if someone adheres to the concept of personal and individual responsibility, believes in the value of life, honors the rule of law, supports the common good, and holds dear the preference for decision-making based on facts, then they will consistently make choices in the midst of any crisis, difficult season, or challenge that will be the right decisions.
The faith-based principles and worldview in which one’s thinking is grounded are critical. It has been said, that “As a man thinketh, so is he.” Such a true statement! However, a solid belief system does not mean that I understand everything or that I have all of the answers (in advance or on the spot), or that I will ever know them. Nor do solid beliefs guarantee that I will always do the right thing. Impossible. I’m human. Instead, it means that attempting to do the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reasons should be our default modus operandi.
The significance of relationships, and the significance of the most significant relationships, really rises to the surface during times such like this. If you didn’t know it already, you quickly discover who you care about most and who cares about you the most. Pause and be grateful. Take no one for granted. Which leads to another truth, embedded in the adage, “Don’t cry over things that can’t cry over you.” Well, that’s everyTHING, isn’t it? At the end of the day, despite the legitimate pull on our heartstrings that some objects or photographs may create, what can’t be taken away (assuming a healthy mind) are our memories, our convictions, our dreams, hopes, aspirations, and the love and respect we share with others. This coronavirus outbreak has helped us see that which matters most. In the midst of darkness light can still shine on mankind’s similarities and common aims. Being optimistic is not the opposite of being realistic. Both stances point us in the same direction.
This takes us full circle–back to the original premise–that the lesson learned is that our beliefs are demonstrated in our actions, and that difficult, challenging circumstances and situations reveal our character and priorities. In the overall timeline of history, our life is short, marked by the dash between the dates on a tombstone. Life is truly fleeting. And it can be very full. Make it count.
C.S. Lewis wrote a piece in the late 1940’s, I believe, where he spoke to people’s fears about being annihilated by an atomic bomb. He summed up that ominous possibility by reminding his readers that the bomb was simply a new way that mankind had created to end life. His charge? Whatever “comes for us,” and whenever it comes, let it not find us cowering in paralyzed fear, wringing our hands, or fully and solely immersed in bad news, but, instead, let “it” find us enthusiastically engaged in life, doing something pleasant, kind, fulfilling, helpful or meaningful. I concur. Taking this approach does not dismiss the reality of the times, does not excuse us from thoughtful and reasonable preparation, and it does not equate to being intentionally uninformed. Quite the contrary. It means that when one is clear about one’s priorities, beliefs, values and mission, that trying times can bring out our best. That’s the lesson that I have been reminded of – it is important to be clear about why I should live life to its fullest. Today is a gift. Take nothing for granted. Take no one for granted. If there is something that I need to make better, or make right, I should make that happen.
Teachers, especially, have been thrust into the center of one of many shifts under way in our communities, state, nation and world right now. They are responding to an immediate need to continue their work in a totally new way while keeping wide open the channels for learning, even without face-to-face interaction with their students, and absent live collaboration opportunities with their peers. Social media abounds with examples of teachers, food service workers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, administrators, counselors, housekeeping, custodial and maintenance personnel, support staff, and coaches continuing to serve thousands upon thousands of students in generous, creative and sincere ways, and continuing to teach, and lead, and prepare for the return to a new normal, whenever that transition occurs. When your career, your calling, your life, has already been devoted to serving, helping, and lifting up others, that’s what you do. Period. And that’s what these educators will undoubtedly continue to do. Thank you, teachers, for your service.
One moment, things are a certain way. The next moment they’ve changed. Great teachers, true learners at heart, step up and lead during those moments.