Be patient & tough, someday the pain will be useful to you ~ Ovid
I thought it might be useful to revisit this Ovid quote this week. Isn’t it just amazing how Ovid was a Roman poet, writing 2 centuries ago and yet this quote remains as pertinent today as it was then?
Some wisdom doesn’t change through the ages and yet this piece of advice feels so hard to process in light of what’s happening in the world around us.
Be patient and tough whilst going through trying times and someday what is happening in the now will become the learning of the past and the growth of the future. It’s really difficult at times to imagine how people experiencing the amount of trauma and loss that we are seeing on the news in Ukraine, can find reserves of patience and toughness. I am so heartbroken to see the images even as I am hugely respectful of the courage, toughness and fortitude that people are finding deep within themselves in this situation.
It’s awe-inspiring though to see people and communities who have been so hurt by Covid pulling together to offer whatever support they can to Ukranians who are struggling to survive.
As humans we often thrive in right relationship with others and for Christians we thrive when we are in right relationship with God, each other and the wider community. We all have a spiritual need to connect with someone or something that offers us reassurance, a safe haven, a knowledge that we are loved and cherished. Those who struggle to find that connection or have it taken away by circumstances beyond their control, often experience a deep-seated sense of emptiness and even hopelessness that can lead to chronic anxiety amongst other issues. Sometimes it creeps up on us quite unexpectedly.
If you are finding circumstances difficult at the moment for any reason, please remember that as chaplains part of our role is to help you find ways of nourishing yourself, giving yourself time to explore what will help you to feel positive and hopeful in life. We are that listening ear that you can bounce thoughts, hopes or concerns onto. We’re here to listen whatever you would like to talk about and if you just want to break up your day with a light-hearted conversation that’s all good too.
If you don’t manage to catch up with a chaplain on site, as always you can contact us via email on info@mitechaplaincy.com where you can request a call-back, or you are very welcome to call me directly on my mobile: 07526 378529 either to chat or to arrange a time to meet up with one of the chaplains.
We also have a range of resources on our web-site including some that are more specific to the Covid-19 outbreak and some that help in dealing with stress: https://mite.org.uk If you prefer you can easily keep in touch with us on social media: Facebook: @mitechaplaincy Twitter: @mitesthwarr
