Covid Connections

When Moshiach comes we will pine for the days of exile. Chasidic Saying. 

Covid is cautiously over for us in the USA. Our prayers are with those in other parts of the world who are still struggling, our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones and those still recovering or struggling with health issues as a result of the virus.  The following lines are not intended to be insensitive to anyone whose life has been shattered or broken as a result of Covid. I hope all can find some meaning and resonance in these words.

I’m already beginning to pine for the challenging days of Covid.  I remember those days when the streets were quiet. I could hear the birds tweeting all day. I could get a full night’s sleep because there was no office to run to or carpools to do.  I remember those Shabbos mornings where we sat on the back porch and unrushed spent hours singing the words of prayer and eventually sat down to a long lunch. I remember those Sundays when we took the kids on nature hikes because nature was always open.  I remember appreciation each day for the fact that Covid had not affected my immediate family and for those that did get the virus they passed through it quickly and without after effects.  The list goes on.

I know that for me and my family we are a healthier family because of these challenging days.  Despite the blessings and lessons learned, the world has moved on and that’s a good thing.

Story: Frank R. Lautenberg was a US Senator.  I’m not sure in what capacity but at some point he visited the Rebbe.  In the wee hours of the morning, after a lengthy discussion on communal and personal matters, Mr. Lautenberg in diplomatic style suggested that they summarize their conversation.  After Lautenberg concluded his summary he turned to the Rebbe and asked for his summary.

The Rebbe: “In summation, if tomorrow morning Frank Lautenberg wakes up and looks in the mirror, and he sees the same Frank Lautenberg as today, then we have accomplished nothing.”

As we wake up in this post Covid world it is important that all the challenge we’ve experienced, all the suffering of humanity, the loss of life, the loss of commerce, the interruption to the flow of our children’s lives, is not for naught. 

We ensure that by permanently incorporating into our lives the lessons we have learned and the changes we have made.

For me the primary ones are;

• There is enough time in the day for the things that are important in life.  Family, Torah Study, health and wellbeing.  If I prioritize these there will still be time to get the other stuff done and that’s all it is, is stuff.
• The people around me are so beautiful as is the world that Hashem created.  I have come to appreciate these like never before.  But it takes a pause to see it. I don’t want to lose this.
• During the past 15 months there have been so many podcasts and classes on the effects of trauma on child development. This has helped me see people in different light and also has assisted me in becoming more accepting of myself.  “We are not bad people trying to do good, we are broken people trying to heal” Rabbi Shais Taub.  

I want these lessons to be around for many years to come. 

What are some lessons that you have learned?

Have a great Shabbos with your loved ones!

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