I’m struck by the competing news today, which prompted me to think of the “best of times, worst of times” quote.
- On the one hand, we finally have a vaccine coming.
- On the other hand, the CDC director says the next three months are going to be “very dark.”
- On the one hand, the Electoral College met and formally certified Joe Biden as the next president.
- On the other hand, we still have elected officials calling it a stolen election.
It seems to me that these times call for us to hold three different emotions, all at the same time:
- Joy, for those times when we see or experience good news.
- Hope, for those times when we don’t have joy, but can see the possibilities on the horizon.
- Determination, for those times when we don’t even have hope, but keep putting one foot in front of the other, regardless.
As we move through the holidays and into the new year, I expect all of us will deal with all three emotions. So, let me add a fourth: grace for yourself, no matter which emotion you are in.
We’re going to get through this — all of this — and one way we do is by caring for each other. And that includes caring for yourself.
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