A few weeks ago, I was struggling with my son's car and getting it to a place where he could pass the emissions test to get his license plates renewed.
We went from one issue to another - the check engine light came on and we had to take it into the shop to get a coil replaced.
The next week the light came on again and we had to go back to the shop.
Logistics were a pain in the a** between work and his school schedule to get the car in and transport him places.
When we finally had the check engine light issues figured out, he took it in for emissions testing and it failed the test the first time.
A blown fuse in the OBD sensor turned out to be the culprit and when that was fixed, he finally passed the test and we were able to get his plates renewed.
When I reflect back on this particular issue with the car, I feel like I failed that test life had given me.
Even though the car ultimately passed, I let it affect my mood and my perspective.
I generally pride myself on having a good perspective these days. But sometimes things test my patience.
Two weeks later, coronavirus hit and the whole world shifted.
It makes me realize now just how small that issue really was in the grand scheme of things. Hardly a test at all; more like a pop quiz if anything.
I consider this global pandemic a test for all of us:
A test of our strength of character
A test of our kindness and generosity toward others
A test of our positive attitudes
A test of our common sense
A test of our love for each other
A test of our patience
A test of our ability to keep things in perspective
When life is uncertain, when we don't know how or when things will return to "normal," when we are afraid for our health and that of our family, human nature can cause us to retreat into self-preservation mode.
Now more than ever, we need to not think selfishly.
We need to consider others and the reasons that social distancing is important.
We need to help our children understand why it's important.
We need to keep the negativity and conspiracy theories out of social media and share more positive stories.
We need to support those around us who are more susceptible and make sure they have what they need.
We need to thank the people that have to go to work, despite their own fear and risk to their families.
It's truly a test of our humanity and an opportunity to show our goodness as a human race.
I'm pretty sure we're not graded on a curve this time either.
Let's all study hard for this one.
No cheating, no notes written in pen on the palms of our hands.
Just good old-fashioned hard work.
I know we have the ability to pass this test.
I'm rooting for all of us.
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