“Show Grace”
Yesterday, the Minnesota State High School League announced its plan for fall sports. Neither of my kids plays fall sports at the high school level, yet I was still interested in their decision.
Football and Volleyball will be moved to the spring. Other fall sports will go on, but with somewhat of an altered schedule.
This decision is no surprise given the current state of COVID-19 in Minnesota and across the country. It is just one more thing that we need to adapt to.
We’ve been doing a lot of that since March, adapting, that is. I get it — it’s what we need to do to come out on the other side of this.
But, man. I am tired of adapting.
No, scratch that. I’m just tired.
I’m tired of the frustration, sadness, anger, and anxiety I feel about this damn virus that seems to be winning the mighty battle it’s raging against us.
I’m tired of the politicization of the virus and our nation’s response.
I’m tired of the vitriol shown toward those who wear a mask and those who don’t.
I’m tired of worrying about my kids and the emotional toll the pandemic may be taking on them.
I’m tired of thinking that every little sniffle or headache is COVID.
I’m tired of a lot more, but I’ll stop.
Chances are, we’re all tired.
In a news segment about the above-mentioned fall sports decision, the athletic director of an area school district said something that made me stop and think.
He said, “This has been a difficult time for everyone. Back in March, I told all of my coaches to show grace. And I say the same thing today.” (I may be paraphrasing).
But, Show Grace.
That seems to be something we are unable to do on a macro level. Sure, the Karens of the world are a bit much, and Sturgis really shouldn’t happen this year, but still. We can show some grace, can’t we?
Maybe we can’t.
It’s been said that we can’t take care of others until we take care of ourselves. Ergo, we can’t show grace to others if we aren’t showing it to ourselves.
So, what can we do to better take care of ourselves so that we can show some damn grace?
In other words, what can we do when we are so tired or overwhelmed, we need to show ourselves some grace?
Take a nap
Phone a friend
Call a family member
Take a walk
Meditate
Exercise
Sit in a hammock
Go for a bike ride
Look at the stars
Read a book
Write down your thoughts
Write a friend
Play with your kids
Mow the lawn
Go for a drive
Listen to a podcast
Listen to your favorite band
Draw
Doodle
Pet your dog/cat/gerbil/hamster/guinea pig/ferret
Talk to your spouse/partner
Talk to your therapist
Bake something
Cook something
Watch a movie
Watch Netflix
Do nothing for bit
There are probably plenty of other things you can do that should be added to the list. If you think of one, do it.
Here’s the thing, and maybe I’m feeling a bit pessimistic right now, but no one really knows when things are going to ebb with COVID-19. Add to that the upcoming election cycle and the school year starting, and things may start to bubble a bit more than they are now.
I see it in my city. We are tired.
Parents are stressed about their kids and school and how they’re going to work and if their kids are still going to learn and how it’s going to all shake out.
It is a no-win situation.
And, after the Democratic and Republican National Conventions later this month, we are in for more than two months of ugly politics.
Yet, despite that, we can change the tide. We can change the tone. All it takes is showing some grace.
We can do that, can’t we?
