With COVID 19 deaths in the USA approaching 100,000 media is reporting every angle 24/7 and political pundits are pulling hard one way and then the other. The dilemma is to stay shutdown and burn the economy along with the people who have lost their livelihoods, or to open business’ doors and put people at higher risk of infection and death. This feels very situational – Wyoming and New York are not the same. Governors and local people are deciding for themselves. I pray they have the wisdom and judgment to find the right balance.
Across America average citizens have demonstrated their gratitude with shout-outs and applause to the front line medical workers who have put their lives ahead of the risk of contracting the virus. They have done a stellar job too often with inadequate personal protection equipment. Supply chain workers in packing plants, trucking and shelf stocking make food and supplies appear in grocery stores. Now they are recognized as being essential workers too.
This awful thing has made me think about appreciating the good in our own county, city and community. People work hard from top to bottom and from side to side in our community both as public and private employees. Our lives are easier and our sense of home more comfortable. Our executive and managerial levels of government are accessible and do their best to respond to our immediate and future needs. The operational staffs that do the manual and administrative work fulfill their jobs well. If you have ever had to get a driver’s license, pay your taxes, mail Christmas presents or just about anything else in a major city like Houston, New York or Miami, you will know we have it easy in Jefferson County.
It’s much the same with most retail businesses too. If you need hardware, lumber, farm supplies, fertilizer, auto parts, auto service, a good meal, groceries, energy services, etc. you’ll get good service from helpful people who add that little bit extra. This makes every day life a little sweeter, and we have the opportunity to make their lives a little sweeter by showing a positive and appreciative attitude.
Volunteers are everywhere and deserve recognition. They serve because they want to do something beneficial to improve our community. There are many committees and boards associated with the education, government and civil clubs; a few examples, planning commission, opera house, food bank, historical society, watermelon festival, animal shelter, sports, and so on. If you take this for granted it is a great injustice as the volunteers give their time and effort with little or no expectations.
It is easier to be negative finding fault and seeing things only through personal lenses of what ‘should be’. You might have to wait a few minutes. You might not get your expectations fulfilled exactly. For many, being negative is just a bad habit that somehow makes them feel good. Changing behavior from negative to positive has huge benefits at every level. Try it.
Phil Calandra