The sunrise has been beautiful the last few days in Grand Rapids. Every day is a new day to be thankful for.
At the same time, our world is facing a pandemic, a disruption to our lives, the likes of which we have never seen and will hopefully never see again.
I am writing now from home. Yesterday I took a photo – (the last photo for a while!) of my office view over Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. I got in the office and the world was covered in snow.
Winter was back.
The empty, snow covered, dreary city somewhat symbolizes how a lot of us are probably feeling. Alone, isolated, depressed.
I am reminded of that popular exchange in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe:
“It is winter in Narnia,” said Mr. Tumnus, “and has been for ever so long…. always winter, but never Christmas.”
Kinda feels like that.
Given the Executive Order from Governor Whitmer that was issued effective Midnight this morning, businesses all over the State have been scrambling to understand and implement. There has been and remains a lot of confusion.
Simply put, the effect of EO-2020-21 is that a lot of us will have more empty space in our lives than we are used to.
Below is a photo I took a few days ago of downtown Grand Rapids – Lyon Street, specifically. More specifically, the skywalk between the DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Empty.
There seems to be a lot of space.
A lot of margin.
(Ironically, one of my regular commitments is to try and keep more margin in my life – well, I am getting it.)
I realize my reality is different than the many who are sick.
There are many in need.
If you are fortunate enough to be healthy like me, maybe you are finding margin in your life in this crazy time.
If you are like me, I have a question for you: what are you doing with your margin?
I am reading a book right now by Adam Grant called “Give and Take“
So far, its been an interesting read. I like how Adam highlights real people, like David Hornik and Peter Audet and tells their stories as “givers” in their professional lives.
One of Adam’s comments stuck with me though:
“We tend to compartmentalize giving, reserving a different set of values for the sphere of work.”
Interesting phenomenon.
Many of us may be focused on doing right to our neighbor, our families. But when we find ourselves in the workplace, in the business world, we have a completely different mindset.
A “me first” mindset.
Today is a new day. An opportunity to be “other-minded”
I am reminded of one of my favorite scripture verses:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2: 3-4
Wherever you find yourself, there are opportunities to think of others.
If you are part of the Greater Grand Rapids Community you can check out these service opportunities.
Also, please consider the safety net for the most vulnerable in Grand Rapids – Mel Trotter Ministries
Today, Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter posted this video. There is great need for the most vulnerable.
We can all do something.
Let’s be “others-minded”.
Questions? Comments?
E-mail: Jeshua@dwlawpc.com
Twitter: @JeshuaTLauka
Purpose Driven General Counsel 