Open
Spaces Vol.: 20.6
By John W. Vander Velden
June 29, 2020
Hello dear friends.
June is very nearly in
the rear view mirror and we are less than a week away from Independence Day.
How will you be spending
your Fourth of July?
Will it be different this
year?
Each of us have faced a
variety of changes in the way we conduct the normal things of our life.
Certainly Covid-19 has had its effect hasn’t it? But we need to remember that
this pandemic will not haunt us forever. But even though we understand that
this disease’s grip upon our lives will soften, we must remember that point has
yet to arrive.
So I hope that each of
you continue to take care, and by taking care you will help to protect
yourselves and more importantly the vulnerable that surround you. Especially those
which fit within the category of increased risk.
And yet there are other
events that have pushed their way into our world. Though it might be difficult
for us to understand the frustration that has driven others to make their
voices heard, should we not take the time to listen? Those of us that have
never been forced to face the bias that others need to deal with each day,
might minimize the need for dialog. But those voices ask for more than just
words, or promises, they expect action. But it is this man’s opinion, the
change that will at long last end their suffering, must begin within each of
our hearts.
Some years ago
conversations I had with two very different individuals helped me to understand
the situation more clearly. That freedoms I take for granted were not allotted
to every citizen. Those conversations have changed me and I hope that you honestly
consider the life of others and try to see things from their point of view. And
in doing so perhaps you will be able to feel for their needs as well.
Yes, we live in an
imperfect world filled with imperfect people, but it is up to each of us to do
what we can to move things in positive ways. Hopefully one day everyone will
look deeper to see beneath the surface, and no longer label others based only
upon preconceived concepts.
Is it too big a dream for
our country? I would hope not.
As for this writer in
Northern Indiana, I have remained busy.
Busy is good. Yet it sometimes feels as if the things that keep me busy
also separate me from the tasks I wish to do. Finding time to mutilate the
keyboard has been more difficult these last weeks.
Yard
work is SO demanding.
However there have been
other responsibilities tugging at my life. And that’s OK it’s life after all.
So with one project on a deliberate hold until September, I work on another
project, a standalone, when I can find the time. There’s not much I can share
about these projects. But know that the writing has not stopped.
But I have tried
something new. Have you seen the videos?
With the cancelling of my
Author’s Events and Book Signings I felt the need to reach out to readers all the
same. My internet provider was so gracious to offer its customers a larger
amount of data for the months of April and May, which helped. I never filmed a
selfie-video before let alone posted it online, but mine require a sizable
chunk of my data allowance so I don’t post them often. If you haven’t taken the
time, please check them out on my Facebook Author’s page, John Vander Velden
Author. Let me know what you think. I might post them on YouTube if I find a
way not to use a month’s worth of data in the attempt.
So as I close this
newsletter. It is my hope and prayer that you and all those that you keep
within your heart remain well. That you remember that life’s adventures are not
tied down to the usual events or expectations. That you open yourself to
experiencing each day. For each day is a gift from God, a time to be savored filled
with possibilities and events that are often unexpected and yet profound.
So until next time,
Blessings,
John W. Vander Velden
Author of Misty Creek
and Elizabeth’s Journey
