It is good to be with you. I’ll be honest, life is tough isn’t it. We help each other keep going, but there is a continuing barrage of changing news, and the future is uncertain. And this week there is the craziness of the American election, a new lockdown starting today… and such a beautiful morning – life is a paradox, with feelings of disorientation today.
The University campus has been very quiet. It has been set up for Covid-19 – as best we can – to make learning and life possible and safe. And students are here, and we are now well into the first semester. It is good to see them – though it would be even better to see a few more. Universities need life, and that means students, learning and living – growing into the next generation of adults
The other day I met three lads with two footballs, on the parade. Laughing and joking, they cheered me up. I told them so. Were they in the same bubble? “No - different ones” … but the same society? “Yes – dancing”. Fantastic – great role models.
I did a workshop with academics. How is it working from home? Do they have any top tips to survive?
- Be as normal as possible. Follow the hands, face, space rule.
- Stay positive.
- Stay aware - be aware.
- Keep in contact. Work to restore human-human contact. Stay in touch with no touch.
- Don’t get hooked on the news. Have screen free days. Don’t worry about things you cannot change.
- Mend and repair – restore not replace.
Where is God in all this? As a man of faith I must ask. Well, He is here. And yet we are allowed to cry out in lament, like the psalmist: “Where are you God? God please help!” He is…
I end with a quote from an academic:
“Stay positive – it will pass. We have had pandemics before. It is more extensive this time because of globalisation. But light is coming…”
(1st broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol 30-10-20)
Nigel
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