Chaplain’s Corner

DISRUPTION!

More than any other year that most of us have seen, 2020 has been a year of disruption! So many things have been upended: where people work, how they work, how we shop, who we can and can’t visit, how to attend the funeral service of a loved one, having wedding plans put on hold, etc. As it relates to 2020 and disruption, Toronto Fire Services has not been immune either. Hall visits have been put on hold, station cleaning has many new wrinkles, how one interacts with their crew and co-workers while on and off the job, the cancellation of numerous events (retirement parties, various acts of service in the community), and countless emails have been sent out regarding important safety protocols, etc.

Said no one ever, “I’d like my entire life turned upside down!” Yet, that is exactly what has happened.

“Disruption”, which is another word for “change”, is often an unpleasant experience. It comes in all sizes and shapes — a death, changes in one’s job situation, family life issues, or, when companies like Amazon change the way we shop, resulting in the bankruptcy of many businesses in the process.

For those of you who are in a leadership position, leading through the last year has been more tiring and challenging than ever. The safety and well-being of those you serve has taken on added meaning. More than ever, wisdom and patience are needed, plus the right tools in your hands and at your disposal.

As it regards our personhood, COVID-19, as a disruptor, has had a profound effect on our lives. It affects all three parts of who we are as people: our spiritual lives, our physical selves, and our mental outlook.

As for the spiritual part of us, the crisis at hand has led many to think of their world view. One’s world view concerns one’s beliefs about God, the universe, our place in the world, the meaning of life, our purpose, the solutions to the world’s problems, and our own mortality. Often, when there is a crisis, one asks the big picture questions. This, in itself, is not a bad thing. Crisis sometimes leads to one being a seeker of things pertaining to God, religion, and spirituality. At other times, one’s spiritual or religious beliefs suffer. While we cannot stop the bad things and disruptions that happen in the world and in our lives, our worldview can help us process and live with the pain we witness. Don’t neglect your spiritual side - it’s part of you and every person. As the Bible says, “God has set eternity in the hearts of people”.

Physically, the disruption of this past year has had its own share of impacts on us. You might have experienced moments when your muscles have been tense, you feel fatigue, your stomach is upset, you have increased blood pressure, headaches, diffi culty sleeping, and even fl uctuations in your weight. Such are normal responses. So, if you’ve noticed that the pandemic has affected you physically, don’t be hard on yourself. As a way of coping, get as much fresh air and outdoor time as you can. The world God made is an amazing thing; full of beauty and wonder that can lift our thoughts, our hearts, and does us a lot of physical good when we enjoy it.

As for our collective mental health, on average, people’s mental health has taken a turn for the worse this past year. Depression and anxiety have skyrocketed. Intrusive thoughts, apathy, discouragement, feeling lost, feeling overwhelmed, are normal responses when one’s world is turned upside down and bad news is constantly piped into our heads. As a means of coping, turn off the news or curtail it as much as possible, and put good and wholesome things into your mind.

As the pandemic grinds on, do what you can to be kind to others. The longer this goes on, the more patient we all need to be with each other. Pray for patience and take care of yourself

West Command Rev. Todd Riley 416-318-9167 tsriley@teksavvy.com

spiritually, mentally, and physically.

A BIG THOUGHT. Disruption is not all bad. As much as you and I might wish that the troubles and losses of 2020 weren’t here, there have been some good things that have happened along the way. Disruption can be an incredible catalyst for good and necessary change in our lives. Disruption is a potential pathway to growth. As the proverbial “dust settles”, disruption can, and often does, represent opportunity.

As I close, I pose a few refl ection questions. How has the pandemic affected you spiritually, mentally, physically, and in your relationships with others? How have you grown? Have you taken the time and energy needed to fi x up some relationships in your life – since we’ve been reminded that life is short, and stuff is just stuff. If, for some reason, you are stuck and needing help from another person, reach out and talk to someone you trust. Getting help is a sign of strength.

As for me, I’ve found my faith in Christ to have given me daily strength as I’ve walked through this year of “disruption”. My faith is not a magic bullet that takes away pain or makes trouble disappear, but it helps me frame and make sense of the world, decide what I’m supposed to do, care for others, care for myself, and it gives me hope.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you! As you’re able, lend your strength to those in need and who are weak. Thanks for all you do in the service of others!

Todd