Here we are: May 2020. The vast majority of the United States is still without organized competitions, open restaurants and bars, graduations, wedding celebrations and worst of all, proper celebrations of life for those that have lost loved ones.
When will it all end? And, who is to blame? Should anyone really face blame? Anyone reading this will not have the definitive answer. Sure, we all have our own opinions, but let’s face it, we should probably agree that we just don’t know.
As I have watched, listened, and conversed on this very subject over the past couple months, it occurred to me that this whole situation is in many ways parallel to a sporting competition. Information is coming at us so fast, and 99% of the time, we are not privy to all the facts, or we only see it from our vantage point, or we only know what people are telling us. “No way!!”, you say. Hear me out.
Think back to the last sporting event you attended in person; let’s pretend it is a high-level college basketball game between two ranked teams. Information is coming in very fast at coaches, players, fans and even more so, the game officials. Everyone in the aforementioned group can make mistakes, except for the game official, because no matter how fast a play happens, how much “noise” is around them, and how many people are coming at them with their own opinion, they are expected to make the right call. If not, they face blame. That perceived “right” call is usually 100% determined on what team you are cheering for.
If this whole incredibly inconvenient situation has taught us anything, I pray that it has taught us that we shouldn’t look to blame someone, rather take our “wins” and “losses” with grace and respect. Maybe we can be more accepting of others. Here’s wishing safety and health to you and your loved ones during these trying times.
