Just John

Finite, beautiful, painful, possible, unknown, miraculous, tragic…all adjectives describing our lives and a reminder of how swiftly it can change.

How strange life is. I used the above as an introduction to my last Just John without realizing how much more appropriate it would be in a very short time. The COVID 19 (coronavirus) is spreading rapidly across the country causing severe, though necessary, decisions by state and federal leadership.

As we contemplate the impact on our lives at Moosehaven, stop and consider what it means for those not fortunate enough to be wrapped in the security of our great fraternity. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions are out of work, many of whom were already barely surviving economically. While Congress wrestles with a financial aid package, many wonder how they will pay the rent/mortgage, buy food and take care of their families. Pray for them.

The long-term consequences of these efforts to thwart the virus will be mixed. For example, many businesses will not survive and those jobs will be lost forever. However, other businesses will likely grow and thrive. For example, online shopping is likely to increase as a result of “social separation” both in the short and long-term. Heck, I ordered a lawn mower online that was delivered within just a few days. However, I really cannot imagine going out to dinner at my favorite restaurant online. Perhaps, those expanding online businesses will hire the many displaced workers and put our economy back on tract.

What about Moosehaven? Certainly, the measures undertaken to slow/halt the spread of coronavirus will impact on the operations of every lodge in the fraternity. Unfortunately, some of them will not survive. This is a significant concern as they are the lifeblood of Moosehaven. Rest assured there are sufficient resources reserved to continue supporting Moosehaven throughout this crisis and beyond. Furthermore, plans were developed during the previous recession to assure Moosehaven’s future remains secure. These plans remain intact and available to future Moosehaven leadership and more importantly are doable.

What about the fraternity? Well, there will certainly be an impact as a result of the coronavirus. I think it is probably too early to tell how great that impact will be. We must pray for and trust the leadership of each association and at Moose International to make appropriate decisions to secure the future of the fraternity and, therefore, Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Pray for them.

I commend the residents of Moosehaven for accepting the many changes we’ve implemented to protect the campus from the coronavirus. You responded positively to what are clearly diminished privileges and continue to demonstrate the Moose spirit. As I said during our meetings regarding those changes, we will overcome this test by trusting one another and working together – my prayers for and thanks to all of you.

To Moosehaven’s staff; you have managed the many changes and additional responsibilities imposed by this epidemic with your usual professional and positive attitude. Your commitment to Moosehaven’s residents and each other is both admirable and appreciated. Thank you for all you do.

Finally…“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Life as we know it has changed, perhaps forever, but for now, I am…

Just John