Monday, April 11, 2011

a breakthrough in the shutdown

i walked into the corporate kitchen, and into a conversation. i sidestepped the men and reached for the coffee machine, my creamy white mug and vanilla toffee creamer jumbled in my hands.

one man left, leaving just me and another. i smiled politely and said hello. i started walking away, when he asked me. "did you hear about it?" 

of course i heard about it. of course i got the e-mail. of course i've been worrying about it since last night, i wanted to tell him. instead, i murmured "uh-huh." i tried to walk away, to retreat back into my little office nook where i could hold my mustard seed necklace, read a psalm and let the morning sunshine pour past the  window pane and into my weary spirit. but he kept on.

"are you worried? what do you think? i've been watching the news and..."

he proceeded with a re-cap of the pending government shutdown. the indecisiveness. the right-wing, left-wing, he-said, she-said debate. the effects on our company. the preventative measures being taken. the midnight deadline that felt ages away. he walked away slowly, with an air of defeat.

i watched my co-workers on friday. when faced with an angry circumstance, true colors are shown. i watched for the hurt. i watched for hate, disgust and blame to be thrown. 

i didn't see any of it. because like i've said before on this blog, i believe in people. and call it blind optimism, but i also believe in their goodness. and in their ability to cope and be okay. on friday, i saw people consoling, encouraging. i heard "it's all going to be okay" more than once. i said it myself, to girls in my office who were new. and scared.

and it worked out. the government struck a deal and nothing shut down. and i'm not political, and can't even tell you all the details, but i can tell you this: in a crisis, or in this case, the threat of a crisis, there might be a tendency toward animosity, resentment, and outrage. but in the midst of the rubble is a chance to come together. to unite and create a combined energy. and against such a beautiful force, no disaster can stand for long.

14 comments:

Blogs said...

i love your writing skills...amazing...i also find the beauty in everyone! blind optimism- xo

Anonymous said...

i'm a bit embarrassed to admit i don't really know the situation- i consciously try not to watch the news:/ it just makes me sad when i do... but thanks for showing me that we can be optimistic and know that things will work themselves out.

i'm reading courtney! every day :)

Jennifer Rod said...

im with you on this. and im glad nothing too serious happened. we were a bit worried in my office too... but no need to worry, we trust in a great God.

Nicki said...

I like what you said about blind optimism. I'm glad your company is okay!

Unknown said...

Amen!

Love your post, especially the last paragraph!

Dee Paulino said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dee Paulino said...

blind optimism,can this post be any more inspiring? You always hit the nail on the head, I love it!

Unknown said...

I believe in people too. Thank goodness nothing was shut down, I've been really torn up about the threats for awhile.

Amber said...

i always prefer to see the positive things in people and believe that every person at their core is good. Glad everything worked out well for you and your co-workers

Adriana Iris said...

i really like your blog. TY for this post.

melissa said...

Glad to hear nothing shut down for you guys!! Great post! xo

Brandi said...

I think the threats are government shutdown are a bit like children playing chicken. In the end, something works out because it's in everyone's interest to work things out. I'm with you -- I believe in the goodness of people too.

k said...

this was a beautiful post...I really like your insight.

Stephanie said...

It makes me so happy to see bloggers writing real stuff about real issues. Thank you for this.

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