CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
W
hat a time we are living in! Who knew that we would be surviving a global pandemic and witnessing historic moments almost daily; moments that will dawn the pages of future history books! Who knew that in the middle of a generational pandemic that a horrendous moment of injustice would present opportunity to confront the racial divides that still plague our world today! Who knew that we would close our borders, navigate trade wars, a global recession, and record national debt! Who knew, that face masks would become a fashion mainstay! Some say that our world will never be the same. I’m not convinced about that last statement but one thing is clear, these are moments like none other in our lifetime. Among so much change and uncertainty, experts are putting a light on growing concerns for the mental wellbeing of our country. As a chaplain I would love to speak a big game here but the truth is I’ve struggled at times through all the negative news of this pandemic. I’ve struggled leading my own family and managing the church I work at and facing the unpredictability of my employment there. I’ve struggled with my emotions, fears, and thoughts of post covid-19 days,
whenever they may come. An older friend once told me, ‘Ted, don’t waste a good crisis.’ I don’t want to look back at this crisis as a time that I just survived the great pandemic of 2020 (and maybe 2021). I want to look back at this year with my head held high despite the challenges of this season. Last year during my Master’s program, I studied the concept of reframing, penned by author Donald Capps. He presents a number of techniques in reframing in order to “effect positive change” (Reframing, Donald Capps p41). One consistent positive that I’ve noticed throughout the past several months is the sheer volume of people reflecting on life. I’m not sure without a global crisis that so many would be taking time to reflect. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘reflect’ as, “to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions” (https://dictionary. cambridge.org/dictionary/english/reflect). Reframing the year 2020 from a horrible year of crisis when everything was brought to a halt; we might choose instead, to see a year where everything was paused in order that we might stop and reflect on the things that matter most, the things we may have been just too busy to reflect on. During my own pondering moments, I’ve had time to reflect on my mental well-being, which has led me to stop striving to be a kind of idealistic leader who has it all together, and instead be honest and reach out to some confidants to receive personal care. I’ve had time to reflect on the staples of my life— my family, my faith, my northern
North Command Rev. Ted Leck 647-461-4047 tleck@rogers.com
cottage refuge, and a handful of good friends. I’ve reflected on what I want the next five-year chapter to look like and I’m in the process of making some adjustments to get there. I’ve reflected on the many things that I’m thankful for, from the glue of my family sticking together, to the joy of my role as a Toronto Fire Chaplain, and to many other things that I once took for granted; I’ve even paused to be thankful for the loyalty of my dog Dexter, the one who is unfazed by this pandemic. Observably, we are in this crisis for the long haul—this is more like an Ironman Triathlon than a 50-metre sprint. And just when you think you are getting to the end, you get out of the water and pick up your bike for the next section of the race. And if you make it through that, then you’ve got to find your legs to run a marathon on the last leg of the race. I’m not sure where we are in the ‘race’ of this pandemic but friend may I suggest that you too take some time to reframe this pandemic into a moment of reflection? Though many things are changing around us, we might find that the reframing of this crisis may just effect positive change in you. Hang in there friend, we really are in this together. Chaplain Leck
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