What do you get when you squeeze a lemon? Lemon juice, of course!
So, what do you get when you squeeze a person, or in other words, put them under some level of pressure? You get whatever is inside of them.
And this Covid-19 situation is certainly showing what’s inside of people as they are asked to isolate, quarantine and change their behaviours.
It’s really heart-warming to see many people become incredibly community minded. They reach out to their neighbours and to the wider community to help those who might be struggling. People readily and willingly stay home. They wear masks to protect others. They ‘do their bit’ to help everyone get through the lockdowns.
When they get squeezed, you get to see their sweetness and kindness flow.
On the other hand, this Covid-19 pandemic has also done a great job in exposing the level of self-centred, self-absorbed, self-importance and selfish thinking that exists in society.
“Whoa! That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?” I hear you ask.
No. I don’t think so. I think I’m simply putting into words what I have witnessed.
The outrage displayed when people are asked to self-isolate, to quarantine or go into lock-down is astounding. They take it as a personal affront when they are expected to modify their behaviour or experience some level of inconvenience for the benefit of society.
“What do you mean I can’t party with my friends – go out to dinner – go to the pub – go to the beach – go anywhere I want, whenever I want? What do you mean I have to stay home?!?!“
And what is even more troubling is that there are people who openly verbalise a complete disregard for anyone who may be more vulnerable or susceptible to the disease. Other people’s lives are de-valued. The elderly – well, they’re going to die anyway. The immune compromised, the weak, the poor – they’re not my problem.
When these people are squeezed, we get to see their toxic, bitter juice flow out.
We have to realise that each one of us are parts of a much bigger whole. Every part is important. Every part has value. You have value. The elderly have value. The weak, the poor, the ill, the healthy, the wealthy. All have value. But none greater than any other.
I’m so grateful to see that the juice flowing through our communities whilst we are being squeezed is overwhelmingly sweet and kind.
So, let’s keep it that way. Let’s keep the kindness flowing so that the sweetness dilutes any bitterness.
