By: Chase Buffington, Cispus Learning Director
One of my favorite things in my life is when my entire family makes it back home from work. Stories, smiles, laughter, and the occasional wrestle by the five and six-year-old boys. I admire their attitude over the last two years; going with the flow and finding joy in the little things. Tonight, I stopped to say, “you are the reason.”
You are the reason, setting the example. Photo by Nathan Dumlao
For many, it has been close to a couple of years of uncertainty, despair, frustration, and sometimes hopelessness. These feelings have traveled across the world. Collectively, we have experienced what may be the largest traumatic event in human history. We all settled into our home for lockdown through the perpetual onslaught of social media, television, marketing, and other means of influence. The change began in us all, and it’s time to acknowledge all of you that kept it together; good job. You are the reason we kept our empathy, our positive attitudes, and our community together.
We should be grateful for those who decided to refrain from social media comments that don’t promote productive outcomes. The interpretation of a comment without given a chance for dialogue can be deeply troubling, unproductive, and demoralizing. Yet, I will not fault this form of expression; it shows the hurt, passion, and confusion that many felt when they had no other means of outlet. It was for many, a release. That leads to another critical piece, not everything we shared or expressed was right or civil. I have had to watch the world with my little fellas and discuss the matter of love and the fallout. “It can be dark when no one brings the light, boys,” I would have to say. How do we turn the lemon into lemonade then?
The heart was meant to offer forgiveness so that we could come back together. We can re-learn humanity with in-person dialogue, eye-to-eye networking, and connectedness. We don’t have to change our views, but we can learn of acceptance, be civil, be heard, and feel recognized.
To all the kids that get up, get the mask on, and go to school. You are the reason; you move us forward and contribute to the community. Thank you!
Teachers and administrators, you are the reason we are coming out of this better than ever. You saved lives and continue to do so; you deliver purpose.
To all of us walking around committing acts of kindness; a nice gesture, a positive vibe, those little encouragements have gone a long way. You are the reason that we are so lucky to have a wonderful place to call home, our tiny dot on the map with 7.9 billion others. Don’t for a moment fall away from this belief that we are the reason, together we are better. You are the reason, setting the example.