“Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healing for the body.” Proverbs 16:24
Like many of you, I have registered on Othena to receive my Covid vaccination. I happened to be up late when the notification that the site was open came through, so I quickly registered. Minutes later when I received a confirmation for my registration, I realized I’d made a mistake and mis-typed my birthdate. Let’s just say I’m doing pretty well for being 963 years old. After a bit of frustration in trying to figure out the site, I was finally able to edit my birthdate and went to bed excited that I was on the list.
A few weeks later, I received an email inviting me to make a reservation to receive my vaccination. At that time, we were not back in school and I was excited to think I’d have my first dose by the time we returned to the classroom the following week. I knew I wasn’t in tier 1A, but figured that maybe we had moved into the next tier without me realizing it. I made an appointment and was feeling pretty relieved about it before noticing the confirmation had my original, non-edited, birthdate on it. Frustrated that the system didn’t process my edit, I worried that I was now possibly taking a spot of someone who was supposed to be ahead of me. I sent an email to Othena explaining what had happened but didn’t hear back so talked about it with a few of my friends who, after having a good laugh about my being 963 years old, all agreed that I should keep the appointment. Maybe it was a blessing – and the worst that would happen is I would be turned away.
When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at how organized Soka University was for quickly moving so many people through the line. At the first check-in point, I handed the person my reservation form and my ID. She asked me if I had one of the jobs listed and when I responded with a no she gave me a nervous look. She explained that the system had sent out a large number of invitations to people in the 1B tier over the past few days and she was unfortunately the human that had to tell me I couldn’t move forward and get the vaccine that day. I quickly let her know that it wasn’t a problem and I understood. I’m not sure how to explain it but there was some kind of immediate connection as she physically sighed and almost “wilted” as she released the tension she seemed to be holding. She looked at me and said “Thank you. I’ve had to tell a lot of people this over the past couple of days and many are not as understanding.” There was nothing special about my response, most people would have responded the same way, but it felt good knowing that I made her job a little easier in that moment.
While driving home from Soka University, I reflected on this interaction. This woman’s reaction to my simple response made me realize, once again, that it really is the little things that we do and say in our daily interactions that can have the biggest impact. Our words matter! There have been many moments during this pandemic where I’ve been the receiver of someone’s grace, patience and kind words and other moments where I’ve offered those things to others. God asks us to walk beside each other and share some kindness, love and grace in our interactions. Being on both sides of these interactions has been a blessing because these moments have provided a connection that has made me feel closer to whomever I’m interacting with and, in turn, closer to God. I am again reminded that God is always working through us.
Loving God, we give thanks for the love and care you’ve shown us. We ask that you be with us today when we speak to others. In these uncertain times we sometimes feel disappointed, frustrated and even scared. In those moments especially, God, help us to choose words that nourish and heal instead of hurt. Amen.
Leyla