“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” I have given God many opportunities for laughter in my life. But never have I felt more uncertain about so many things as I do right now. Even if God is laughing I’m not.

I never dreamed that after nearly a year of Covid-19 we would still be living in some bizarre suspended animation. Making plans in this time of uncertainty is challenging if not impossible. Planned events have been cancelled. Celebrations have been rescheduled. Gatherings have been limited. Travel has been put on hold.

And it’s not just the fun stuff that has been affected. I’ve been trying for over a year to get my vision corrected. I’m suffering from a severe case of diplopia (double vision) which has made life a struggle. I’ve had a series of tests and visits and referrals for more tests and more visits all of which have been delayed and postponed and rescheduled due to Covid-19.

Finally, after more than a year, I am scheduled for surgery next week. I’ve been battling this for such a long time that now that the time is near to “getting things fixed” it seems almost surreal. I keep waiting for the surgeon to call and postpone it (again).

I’ve been contemplating all the people in our country and in our world who are waiting (some patiently; others like me) and making plans and hoping for the best. How often have plans been abandoned? How many times have celebrations been suspended? How many weddings and graduations and retirement parties have been cancelled? How many vacations have been scrapped? How many funerals have been curtailed to “only immediate family” gatherings? How many people have died without a loved one by their side? This was no one’s plan.

And yet, here we are as a nation and as a people trying to remain hopeful. Dreaming of a better future. Making new plans for a brighter day. A renewed hope for civility and common good for humankind.

My granddaughter who is in 1st grade has a dream. She’s dreaming of a world full of love and respect. A future where kindness and caring replace hatred and bigotry. She’s making plans for a brighter day.

And I plan to join her because she helps me remember than even in our darkest (and blurriest) hours God will never abandon us.

Peace,

Denis