Like millions of other kids this fall, our grandchildren – as a result of COVID-19 – are attending school both virtually and in “hybrid” fashion.
Our youngest granddaughter is in school by the virtual, on-line method. So, part of the learning curve for us as frequent, caregiver grandparents is to be as familiar as possible with the technology and school subject matter.
Knowing that I would likely be found remedial in math and the technology, I put forward areas where I might excel. I spoke to our granddaughter letting her know that I could be helpful with New Testament Studies, Biblical History, Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Medieval Mystics and Church History. I also indicated that I could be of assistance – with some brushing up – with koine Greek and 18th Century English Literature.
With wide, incredulous eyes looking directly at me, my soon to be eight year old second grader looked at me and said, “Grandpa, you can be hall monitor.”
I am unprepared for these days! My qualifications no longer qualify me for current needs. I am not alone.
If I look at the curriculum and course structure now required at the undergraduate university from which I graduated almost 50 years ago, most all of the subjects in which I majored either have been or are being gently phased out of the curriculum. The professors of such courses are in the process of either reinventing themselves in a “related” subject (while hoping to be at least a hall monitor of some sort) or retiring.
Thinking of these professors and myself, and to paraphrase a line from the 1992 film from Norman McClean’s book, A River Runs Through It, I often feel that even if I am somehow prepared, what I have to give is not wanted.
The nature of our times in our public life in this country amplify such feelings. So, let me whine and/or rant about some of the things for which I am unprepared.
The presidential undermining of our United States Postal System, with the help of party sycophants, is an example. It does not matter what facts are presented as proof that such an opinion is in error, the undermining continues to the cheers of supporters. I am unprepared. I do not understand those who are cheering.
I am unprepared for taking in the news that in the event the result of the November election sends the current resident of the White House back to one of his golf resorts, plans are being made in more than several states to contest the outcome of the election in the courts.
There are preparations I can make to be prepared. One of my attempts to be prepared is to study the fiercely contested presidential election of Rutherford B. Hayes by supporters of Samuel Tilden in 1876. Such preparation however does not help to overcome the feelings of foreboding in such a time as this.
I am also not emotionally prepared for more violent challenges to the election. There is now serious talk of an armed insurrection fomented by white nationalists! How does one even prepare intellectually, or in any other way, for thinking that there may be those taking up arms against brothers and sisters of a different point of view in this nation? I cannot even be a hall monitor in such a situation when my preparation in understanding, respecting and supporting the peaceful transfer of power in our free country is seemingly – by so many citizens – no longer wanted.
I am unprepared for these days when over 20,000 documented lies to the American people told by the president are thought of as “Oh, that’s just the way he is.”
I am unprepared for this time when the seriousness of a pandemic is admittedly “downplayed” by a president who discounts the strength and capacity of the American people for overcoming hard times.
I am unprepared for a time when fellow citizens decry public assistance as socialism for people experiencing hardship and need. And then, in the next breath, defend high-level, corporate, subsidy through government bailout and/or loop-holed, tax benefits for the richest of our citizens as examples of American Capitalism and free enterprise.
I am unprepared for these days when false equivalencies are made; false equivalencies such as an Attorney General of the United States saying that CDC Guidelines for wearing masks, limitations on public gatherings, and availability of testing for the virus – all as a way of saving lives – are attacks on civil rights unlike has been seen since SLAVERY!
There were no civil rights for black people during the American barbarity of chattel slavery! The idea that guidelines for saving lives and caring for one another are said to be the same thing as attacks on constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties is simply ludicrous.
So, despite all of this and nevertheless, what AM I prepared for?
It is this:
The Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah was this past Saturday, September 19th. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days in the Jewish Calendar. It is a day that for thousands of years, no matter what has been happening, celebrates the creation of First Man (Adam) and First Woman (Eve).
On Rosh Hashana the sound of the shofar, the ram’s horn of joy, announces the beginning of mankind’s role in God’s world. It is not fake news. And, ultimately it is the basis for believing that in spite of all the examples of how humankind can have moments when we screw things up, this is still God’s world who works through mankind for good and great accomplishment.
The shofar has sounded once again! I am prepared to trust in the great truth which it has announced. God is our hall monitor!!
This truth will triumph over all things. So, I am prepared to experience renewed hope! Love wins, truth comes out, and justice will prevail.