Blessing of Uncertain Times

Whatever happened to the Oldtimers who chided, “Nothing certain in this life except death and taxes”? Twenty-first Century Life evolved into some collective belief that everything remains stable and can return to the perfection of yesteryear if only the U.S. elects “my ideal” politician to function as figurehead. Rather than claiming common ground with our neighbors, we all insist on our way as not just the best way, but the only way.

Until the pandemic reminded us, life is uncertain. Cling as we might to the absolutes of youth or some mythic perfect time before today, life always presented uncertainty: illness, death, change in many forms. COVID 19, the novel corona virus, though forces us to face the inevitable truth: humans do not have all the answers, cannot predict all the outcomes. Our absolute certainty fails us.

Uncertainty, the mystery of life, travels with us, whether we acknowledge it or not. 2020 brought many of us into closer inspection of uncertainty. Others resist that uncertainty permeates life. This unknown inspires fear in some, denial in others. And yet, another group sees the possibility. The opportunity to reshape the constructs of this life to better suit the absolute uncertainty of life. To create a systems and structures that support community rather than placing barriers to silo individuals.

Opportunity and hope, the blessing of this uncertain time. A time that reminds us, nothing is certain in this human life, except faith and hope.