To every thing there is a season

I'll admit it: this week got me. And I have nothing to complain about. So far, I've been healthy, as have my family and friends. I've got a little work to keep me busy and paid. I've used some of this unexpected free time to purge files and clean house. But all that didn't matter. This was my week to just lose my patience with the whole mess and feel sorry for myself. It's fine. We're all going through it.

And, now, I'm over it. Because 1) feelings are feelings and they pass and 2) re-read the first paragraph. I'm blessed.

Two things kept occurring to me this week. The first one is the story of The Chinese Farmer. Please take three minutes to watch it and listen to the late Alan Watts narrate. Truly, it is helpful in these times to stay humble. It's good to remind yourself that every -- every -- person in the world is affected by this. You are not alone. It's time to wait and watch, to assess who is trustworthy and who is not. It is important to check your sources.

And it is interesting to search around for the positive consequences. I would say unintended consequences but that infers intention and a virus has no intention. But look at this: there is a place in India where they can see the Himalayas 100 miles away for the first time in 30 years. Why? No pollution from cars and factories. The earth has stopped shaking. Why? We have stopped moving about. Maybe, just maybe, this pause has given you an opportunity to see things more clearly, more calmly.

So the second thing that has occurred to me is the old Byrds song, Turn! Turn! Turn! Actually written by Pete Seeger and based on Old Testament scripture, it reminds me that there is a time for everything. And, this is the time for this virus. I just keep asking myself what is the lesson? What can we learn from this? I don't exactly know, but these are the places I find respite: The Chinese Farmer fable and a little folk tune based on ancient scripture. It's all there for the learning folks.

I hope you are well, healthy and safe. There's another week ahead. Choose your inputs wisely.