Nov 28th, 2020: Beauty and Anxiousness

 Spruce Meadows: Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

 

Alberta has won the first prize in the category that it has no desire to win, the most Covid-19 infected province in Canada. After a business meeting today, I decided to have a quick shopping trip to a major shopping mall in Calgary to get a sense of how people are doing in general. Yes, stores have tightened up their safety protocols. In general, some people seem to cope fairly well with all of the regulations and restrictions while being out. Others might not. Here are some of my other observations:


Christmas is only one month away, and many people have tried their best to be excited about the coming holidays. The familiar statement we have heard has been: "We have no ideas what to do for Christmas". Some even talked about not having a tree because their family members won't be home for Christmas. People seem to be in a hurry although they don't have much to do. Some people drive like a maniac in parking lots. Emotional stress has taken the better part of who people are while trying to cope with this pandemic. Learning to slow down and let God be God might not be a bad idea at this time.


I can understand that some people might have the conviction that mass wearing is unnecessary. Being rude about it while interacting with others in a store is another story. Yelling at workers who ask you to have your mask on is not appropriate. What happens to common decency and when we give ourselves the right to make our problems become other people's problems? The protection of our rights does not grant us the privilege to abuse others. Watch for our relationship with one another is healthy at this time.


People might not know what to do about Christmas, but many certainly know what to do with Christmas decorations. There are more Christmas lights than we usually see at this time of the year. There is more creativity. Some might say that people have too much time and nothing else to do. That might be true, but I don't mind it at all. It is indeed therapeutic for everyone. We have decided to walk around our neighborhood in the early evening so that we can enjoy and admire them. The beauty of God is there despite the stress.


Proverbs 12:25

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”

The picture is taken from Spruce Meadows in Calgary. They have one of the most beautiful Christmas light presentations.

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