Dripping fences
Blog by Emma Howarth, MitE Director of Operations
One blessing that we have had in the UK during this Coronavirus pandemic is the glorious weather we have enjoyed.
Like many people I have taken advantage of it and tried to do a few little jobs that I have put off for far too long. One of these jobs was painting the fence between my house and my neighbour’s property.
As I painted, I became aware that, because it was a slatted fence, there would be drips going through to my neighbour’s side. My efforts had an effect on my neighbour (however small), or in this case, her fence. How true this is in life, also. The seemingly small things that we do can have far reaching consequences for others. During lockdown we have heard of or know of incidences where people have broken the rules, met more than one person, not kept their distance, gone into one another’s houses etc. I find this increasingly frustrating as a rule-keeper and someone who tries to respect the liberties and values of others. I heard a story of someone who said, “It’s OK, I don’t have it [the virus].” No, but I might, and how do you know that you don’t? The small actions of one can have a big effect on others. Going into someone’s house may be ok but it may be that you carry the virus out of the house and then go to the supermarket when you brush against someone else.
So as my paint drips through onto someone else’s fence side, I consider that we should be mindful of our actions and our remarks. Of course it is easy to think that negative words or actions have a negative impact, but be aware that positive influences positive as well. In the Bible Jesus says that we should be salt and light in the world. A little bit of each of these things makes a big difference.
As the rules and restrictions are eased in the next couple of weeks, we all have a responsibility to be mindful of our words and actions. Don’t be too hasty and take things too far.