posted on Thursday, April 9, 2020

Unprecedented 

That’s the word we keep hearing over and over. The definition of unprecedented is “never done or known before.” That description certainly explains the times we are in today. Everyone wants the answers now, when even the experts are learning as we go. Every day, we follow the confirmed cases and death charts. There is no doubt that we are in one of the most complex and challenging times in history. What are we to do?  

I don’t have any answers or advice for others. There are things happening that we can observe and may choose how we would like to respond. Ed Thomas often reminded us that one of our greatest gifts is the power to choose.

Times like these bring out the best in people. Unfortunately, they also bring out the worst in a few others. We see things like hoarding, price gouging, and individuals’ wants pursued while risking the infection of others. At the same time, public servants and health care workers risk everything on the front lines helping those who are sick. People are volunteering time, money, and other resources to help others. Many people are choosing to follow the guidelines we all have been given about social distancing and staying home if we can. There is great power in choosing what type of person we will be during these unprecedented times.

Those of us fortunate enough to not be infected will face daily choices in responding to this Pandemic. Choices like the following:

• Do we choose to place blame using 20/20 hindsight or do we choose to focus on learning as we go and continuing progress to beat this virus.

• Are we expecting others to solve deficiencies or do we choose to find solutions?

• Do we choose to stay home or go out? Are we going out because of a need or want?

• Do we choose to be a “Giver” or a “Taker”? Do our thought processes and responses encourage others or are we sucking positive energy out of our community? 

• We can ask ourselves, “Are our choices making the problem better or worse?”

In the end, it goes back to the 3 words that describe the #1 fundamental of the Ed Thomas Family Foundation. That fundamental is to choose to “Do what’s right.”  We choose to do what’s right even though it is often the hardest thing to do.

"Come to unto Me, all who are weary and
heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

Your Challenge

There are many challenges ahead for all of us; some challenges we probably have not yet imagined. As we move forward, we can try to make positive choices for others and ourselves. Do what’s right and keep the faith.

Respectfully,
Al Kerns & the Ed Thomas Family Foundation

This post is written by Al Kerns, a long-time friend of Ed Thomas and a team member with the Ed Thomas Family Foundation. Al coached with Ed for 30+ years at Aplington-Parkersburg.