Uncertain Times

It does not look good.  There was a universal view that 2021 could only be better than 2020.  That we had endured the worst of it.  Yet seeing the end of 2021 inspires relief from most. 
Again there is a sense of good riddance.  But there seems to be more trepidation this time.  Most are glad to see the end of 2021 but there is a sense of realism.  One may be gone but that does not guarantee the next will be better.  Queensland has delayed the return of school children to school by two weeks.
I had a role where I was trying to ensure the safety of others.  What struck me was the number of surfaces that needed to be accounted for.  It made me think that although I do my best, there is no guarantee that I have covered everything.
There seems to be such a similarity to what was experienced when what was beyond the known world in the seas was covered by the words “here be dragons.”  There was a fear of the unknown.  It seems to me it is very much the same in this covid age.  It has come at a time where nature seems to have gone crazy.  It looks to be such a world of uncertainty.
There are heaps of implications from covid.  The days of lock downs may be over but in its place is a “everyone is going to get it” mentality and it has been let loose.  That may be ok for some (thought I have heard of no one who does not have a little trepidation) but for the immune compromised or elderly it is a great unknown.  Other pandemics may have claimed more lives (AIDS for example) but this one seems to be very close to home and can affect everyone.
We know one lady who is a first responder in England in ambulances.  She got covid was placed in a ward with three other ladies.  They left in body bags.  She survived.  I want the best, but I do not know how it will affect me.
Employment is being affected big time.  Many places cannot cater to basic needs as so many staff are missing.  It has forced a change in the way in which close contacts are assessed.  The rules are changing so they can go back to work.
There is a great promoting of hope and that is a good thing.  For me though it is all about what I hope in.  Is it certainty, or just wishful thinking?  Am I afraid?  Concerned yes, fearful no.
I saw something the other day I really like.  Someone was talking to another and asked why they were optimistic about 2022 when so much seemed out of skew.  They said they thought 2022 would bring flowers.  When asked why they said, “because I am planting flowers.”
That sort of sums it up for me.  I do not know what the year will bring, but I do know what I can bring to the year.
This will not last.  I hope to.  If I do or don’t does not really matter.  Either way it is not the end of the story.