Lansing Voices
Mary Paulton
What is the speed of patience? Your library knows….
To some this might seem like a subjective question…open to opinion. The circumstances currently affecting our country and the world have set in motion a sense of urgency. The media and the powers that be contribute by communicating the need to get ahead of the inevitable as seen outside our shores by instilling cautionary guidelines. The manufacturing sector is quick to change tool and dye to accommodate emergency equipment — case in point is Dyson Vacuums fabricating ventilators. Shuttered restaurants and bars are rushing to provide what they do best: serve others a hot meal, now through delivery or pick-up options only. Residents are urged to slow down and stay home (termed social distancing) in an effort to reduce the possibility of contamination. Employment sectors able to do the job from home are adjusting to the decreased commute to and from work. Round trip travel times are about six minutes from breakfast table to work desk to dinner table. This, the new rush hour.
In a shelter-at-home condition, more so than ever before, we rely on technology to provide information with up-to-the minute press briefings, join team meetings with various interactive software capabilities, and attend a Sunday church service prerecorded or in real-time from the comforts of our homes. So too is the educational community providing all classes and tutorial services online allowing for continuity to those completing scholastic requirements. The Lansing Public Library, a gathering place on many levels, has kept pace with the changing times as well. Granted, it is not possible to walk into the Library to check out a selection at this time, yet as a mailing list participant you will receive emails with links to all things — books and videos, current event updates, and community involvement from day forward, as well as get up to speed by viewing archived emails. Rounding out the belief that we are all in this together is our own newspaper, The Lansing Journal, circulating daily installments of what defines us as the Village of Lansing from heart-felt to heart-warming via subscription emails. Using technology as a tool to make that vital connection is the bridge to some semblance of business as usual, and for some it is the lifeline needed to ensure well-being. Checking with local cable providers for internet options may be beneficial to securing such a connection at this time.
As you embrace your day and wonder what you can do to remain connected with society, remember patience has only one speed. It is not fast nor slow, just go. Develop interests and hobbies long neglected because you didn’t think you had the time to do so. Through online classes, improve your educational credentials once abandoned when you thought you didn’t have time to sit in class. Consider volunteer opportunities left unexplored when you thought you didn’t have time to spare. The time is now, and more than enough for some. The Lansing Library looks forward to the day we can welcome you with open doors. Until then, stay in touch. God speed.
Mary Paulton,
Lansing resident
Lansing Voices is our version of “Letters to the Editor.” The opinions posted here are those of the writer, and posting them does not indicate endorsement by The Lansing Journal. We welcome input from fellow residents who have thoughtful things to say about topics that are important to our community. Send your submissions to The Lansing Journal with “Voices” in the subject line.
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Well said. Thank you, Mary!