Summer has passed and now we’re winding our way through fall. Events that were postponed from the spring have been cancelled again or toned down or transformed into a virtual version. So much has happened in the world since my last post, it is impossible to sum it up in one blog post. It feels as if we’ve gone through five years of history in the past 10 months.
In addition to the pandemic, there have been fires, protests, riots, hurricanes, earthquakes and even a fire tornado. An incomprehensible number of people have lost their homes, their jobs and their lives. Not to mention that it’s an election year so add a huge dose of contention, too, especially online.
It was a summer of waiting, planning then delaying,
Contemplating how to make it through
It was a season of hope, as we struggled to cope
System overload, no one knew what to do.
It all feels so hugely biblical like there must be some higher purpose for all that we’re going through. Something beyond our current level of understanding. When will the pandemic end? What will the world be like on the other side of it – because this can’t last forever, right? How will we be after this? Is this teaching us to be more grateful and appreciative of the blessings in our lives?
When we wake up from this slumber,
Will we break free from what pulled us under
What will it take to discover
The blessing of a new day?
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a “We’re all in this together” attitude against a common enemy – the mysterious and deadly coronavirus. Then toward the end of May, after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, the country erupted in protests and riots and spiraled into chaotic discord. Add to that the election angst and conspiracy theories about the pandemic being a hoax and people having meltdowns about wearing a mask and it was a mess.
It was a time of confusion, a mix of fact and illusion
Which side are you choosing to rally behind?
We stood united then fell divided
Is this a mess we created? A blessing in disguise?
For many Americans around my age, this may be the most tumultuous period we’ve experienced as a nation, but we’ve been extremely lucky, as people in other countries and previous generations have had their share of tragedy and upheaval. History is filled with war, hunger, poverty, fear, sadness and evil. To be alive in 2020 may mean dealing with a crazy set of circumstances, but while we’re here, let’s try to make the best of it. Be kind to others, be grateful for the small blessings (such as being able to connect virtually) and breathe. To anyone who is suffering right now, I don’t mean to minimize it at all, and I hope your prayers are answered soon.
The world is changing, today will be history
Let’s make tomorrow be the best it can be.
Listen to “A New Day” here.
My Songwriting Journey 