The Miracle of Now

Happy New Year, and for those who celebrate Christmas, I hope it was a merry one despite the limitations imposed on us. 2020 is a year that we will never forget. Over time, we will learn more about its impact, which could be bleak. The excellent news is that we have a vaccine. The rollout has begun, and over the next several months, administering the immunization will continue. Is this a miracle? For those of us who appreciate living in the now, I would resoundingly say yes. Within ten months or so of the pandemic reaching the United States’ shores, the miraculous occurred, a vaccine that immunizes Americans and the rest of the globe. Our predecessors may be looking down with envy.

The Devastation Before The Miracle

Before I continue about the miracle of now, I want to address some of the devastations inflicted. One cannot minimize the pain and suffering endured as a consequence of this invisible terrorist. Many people have lost their jobs, their businesses, or their lives. When people chastise small-business owners who defy the shutdown rules to keep their businesses alive, I gently but firmly remind those individuals that these people are desperate. Many have sadly endured the loss of hard-earned success because of the contradictory laws enforced state by state. A number of these business owners have been scrupulous in ensuring safety and hygiene in their places of service. Unfortunately, that does not always make a difference to our governmental officials.

Disturbingly, people have died, especially older adults; I continue to refer to them as the “forgotten people.” Some have even questioned whether or not they should receive the vaccine due to having less time in the second half of life. I would like to remind people that senior human beings, most of whom worked hard all of their lives and contributed to society, must be honored and never overlooked.

Finally, one cannot overstate the affliction of depression and anxiety throughout the life cycle. Children should be allowed their magical beliefs as a way to protect and fortify and to foment creativity and imagination. With these tools in their hands, they can be ready to face the reality of the topsy turvy journey we call life. Sadly, this pandemic’s imprint on their development has yet to reveal itself.

Accelerated Accomplishment!

Now that I have attended to the pandemic ramifications, I want to return to the miracle of now. Not only can we be thankful to Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, and Johnson and Johnson, but to those scientists behind the scenes. What an accelerated accomplishment? How? Only, because of the miracle of now!

The diseases of days gone by, such as polio, cholera, Diptheria, leprosy, past plagues, did not have professionals with the wherewithal of those living in the present. Again, our predecessors would view this as a miracle, but isn’t it? For those of us who believe in a superior being, I would say that it is. He has provided us with the gift of progress, modernity, and endless possibilities. Through “infinite intelligence,” as the great Napoleon Hill has phrased it, remarkable minds have drawn upon their contributions and look at what they have rendered.

Connection Because of Innovation

How about the fantastic gifts of innovation around connecting us during this challenging time? Like many, I have met some of the most amazing people virtually. Yes, I know. It is not the same as meeting in the flesh, but you know it is a close second. Zoom is a tool that has brought many of us together in the community. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, and others are close seconds. Also, for those of us who are therapists and people in need of behavioral health services, the rise of teletherapy is fortuitous and could not have arrived at a better time. Aside from the pandemic, life goes on, and problems do not disappear. Has the pandemic exacerbated these issues? For some, yes, but for others, this is not the presenting problem. We, therapists, are most grateful to have the tools to continue to serve.

Miracles Including the Metaphysical

I could go on and on about innovation, but instead, I would like to remind those who are alive to recognize that as a miracle. Until recently, the prevailing thought for sexagenarians was that retirement or death soon knocked at the door. Being age 63, I cannot control the latter except to maintain well being to the best of my ability. However, the former I can, by using our skills to continue onward and forward. The average age has increased over the twentieth century. Much is due to information about healthier lifestyles. The generation right before us did not know some of that as they smoked their way through their lives. Again, it is a miracle that researchers discovered the harmful effects of so many habits and addictions.

Finally, I want to mention the miracle of now. I, along with many others, believe in a gift that took place over 2000 years ago. No matter how hard they try, no one can find concrete evidence that disputes this fact. Also, I hear stories about miracles that are inexplicable. No matter how much those doubters try to pooh-pooh these stories or change the subject, they usually do not offer a viable argument. I, on the other hand, welcome these narratives as a beacon of hope. Recently, I read an article by Carol Lohn Campos and had a conversation with Frank Zaccari that highlight the unexpected. Both of these lovely individuals are Featured Contributors for BizCatalyst 360°.

Whether or not you believe in the metaphysical, we can all agree that living in the now has produced miracles in ways that we could ever think possible.

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on miracles, both metaphysical and not? I invite you to share.