"Hey Smith … one more lap at the same pace." "Ok coach", I replied, as I trudged out another 200m on the track. In the back of my mind, I was justifying the hard work as I knew this training was going to pay off at the upcoming meets. I was getting pretty excited as the flight tickets had just been purchased & the Team Canada clothing had been ordered for the World Masters Athletic Championships in Toronto this July. As a masters athlete, every 5 years you move up to a new age class & having recently turned 60 I was pumped to be at the bottom of my age group (usually a big advantage for aging athletes). Furthermore, I would get to witness the athletic pursuits of other Masters athletes in their 70's, 80's & 90's (perhaps even a Centenarian!). Also, to have a World Masters Championship happen in Canada (the last one held in Canada was 1975) was likely going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me as they're usually held in far away places all over the world … places I would never be able to afford to travel to.
Well, I'm sure you know how this story ends. This track meet, like most large events everywhere, has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Was I disappointed? Of course. Was I surprised by this decision? Not at all. In fact, I have been inspired by people all over the world who have had to deal with this pandemic: medical personnel sacrificing their own safety & wellbeing to help others; celebrities across the globe organizing fundraisers; families trying to do their best in difficult situations by adapting to working at home & homeschooling their children. And close to home, my fellow EBC staff members & the Emmanuel family trying to stay connected in innovative ways. In particular, I've been following athletes from all different sports who had been gearing up for the 2020 Olympics. The ways they have adapted to this loss & found alternative ways to train is amazing. Many have posted creative & humorous ways of dealing with this setback. I applaud their positive attitudes.
And so, while each & every one of us has had some kind of loss to deal with during these unique times, I truly believe it is a matter of choosing to be content with the hand we've been dealt. This includes doing your best to take care of yourself & others. Now, some days, that isn't easy. I get that. But, I have found that these principles & trusting in God to support me with them, help me get through each day.
When I'm pondering & feeling sad about a loss, I've started the practice of countering it with a blessing. I am disappointed that there are no road races (running) this season & that all soccer games have been cancelled but I feel blessed to still have the ability to stay active. While I miss seeing my kids, siblings & parents in-person, I am so grateful that everyone is healthy & that we're still able to join together in other ways. As I'm grieving the loss of church gatherings & working with my colleagues on a daily basis, I'm thankful for their decisions & actions that show obvious care & love for our Emmanuel family. We're striving to keep everyone safe by adhering to government & health guidelines & by being resourceful in the ways we have chosen to communicate & stay connected. I find myself dreading simple things like grocery shopping – fearful to go down an aisle in the wrong direction or offend someone by being too close - but appreciate greatly that there are alternative ways to shop & that the food I need is always available.
In conclusion, choosing a positive outlook can make all the difference in how your day goes. These are things I try to remember:
1. Be content with your life (Ecclesiastes 5 – celebrate the beauty of God's gift of life & it's simple pleasures. Being healthy & content with what we have are gifts from God.)
2. Take care of yourself – your whole self – body, mind & spirit
(1 Corinthians 6:13 - … [our bodies] were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies)
(1 Corinthians 6:13 - … [our bodies] were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies)
3. Trust God to provide & help you do what is needed to fulfill #1 & #2 (Hebrews 4:14-16 - At the throne of God, we will find grace to help us when we need it.)
Remember, this pandemic is temporary. Take care everyone! I miss your faces!
Hugs & love to you!
Hugs & love to you!
Peace, Jan Smith
Thank you, Jan, for taking the time to write a letter to encourage and inspire us. If you would like to send Jan a note you can email her at jansmith@ebap.ca or info@ebap.ca.
Blessings,
Robin
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