Beach Party

Party Animal: Watson at the beach, Sept 2019

            While the situation around the Novel Coronavirus has escalated quickly, the stories of people's reactions are overwhelming and at times mind-boggling.

            For example, spring break partyers in Florida gained attention by their (inebriated) interviews of prioritizing a week of beach fun over the need for social distancing (and sustained public health). After watching one such report, my first thought was... uncharitable, to say the least!

            Yet the situation warrants further consideration: these young adults have only known an era of political divisiveness and mudslinging, of extreme social views (from civic apathy to increased hostility and discrimination), of people trusting feelings over facts.

            Society's message to them has been one of individualism. And they have learned from that.

            While it may be more comfortable for us to stand on a perceived moral high ground and criticise (in whatever media), we have before us the opportunity to change the message. What teachings are we passing along to our children if we get caught up in the selfish and negative spin? How do our words and actions reflect our values and morals? What social constructs have been normalised - and is that what we want to be the new norm?

            I don't have easy answers - I don't think any of us do! But as we are faced with some time and space to consider and pray about the world around us, I invite us to consider how, after COVID-19 has passed, we might create a new normal: our social consciousness, our political engagements, and our spiritual intentionality.

            The messaging for the next generation is up to us, now. Let's embrace this gift for what it is.