Humility will be one of the lessons learned during this coronavirus crisis. In the news today, I heard that the European tourist industry accounted for one-half of world-wide tourism, and this virus is nearly destroying it. I remember our trip to Eastern Europe a few years ago. Most places were welcoming and warm. However, we did experience one tourist side-trip in which the retailers acted as if our tourism dollars, time and interest were not appreciated or wanted. I do believe this crisis shutdown will probably cause that particular area to rethink its attitude and perhaps cause the people to greet new tourists with a humble spirit.
I, myself, have felt more humbled as I have had to accept help from people in dealing with distance learning. My husband laughs and tells everyone that I’m being dragged, clawing all the while, into the age of technology, screaming all the way. Well, yes, I’ve worked comfortably in my own technology artifact museum for an entire career and done so pretty successfully. Yet, I must now humbly admit that I need help in getting videos out to my students, and help in finding where that email suddenly disappeared to when it says “archived,” which I read means gone for good, and help in gaining the courage to appear with others in a zoom meeting. All of this need for help is truly a humbling experience.
It is thrilling, however, to see people from all walks of life taking on menial tasks like carrying groceries for neighbors, and sending pictures and greetings to people confined in nursing homes and hospitals. When people are willing to give of themselves in whatever needs must be met, humility is developed. Perhaps this will make the citizens of the United States a more humble and kind population. Before this virus crisis, our national persona was downright mean, arrogant, and cruel. People had no patience with anyone or anything. Maybe, through the humbling experience of having to seek the help of others in beating this crisis, we will be a kinder and more gracious population.
My husband and I have always been generous tippers for our wait staff in restaurants and food establishments. It always bothered me to see people “stiff” the waitress or waiter after a meal. Perhaps now, seeing these people work long shifts seven days a week, bending over backwards to bring food to individual cars, etc., people will humbly thank them and give them generous tips for making our lives a little easier through all this.
Many of our families in our school have been the essential workers in medical, emergency, and military fields. I have texted with them in the late evening hours after their full workday followed with several hours helping with or going over their children’s schoolwork for the day. I am thankful for their help, and I am humbled at their dedication. My prayers go with them every morning and evening.
- Kay