One of the most inspiring and optimistic times of the year is upon us: Springtime! Flowers and green back on the plants and trees, baseball back on the field, and sunshine all around. But everything old is new again too, and, if you’ve looked at a newspaper or filled up your gas tank recently, you know that it can take effort to remain optimistic. So, as we spring forward into the season, I want to share with you some reasons to be optimistic here in Tucker.
First of all, the pandemic is at its lowest ebb since the beginning, which allows us to do lots of things we haven’t done in a long while. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been pressing forward in every way possible, and we’ve planned, un-planned and re-planned for the return of our favorite community gatherings. So, next month we’ll gather on Main Street to celebrate Tucker Day. It will be our first May Tucker Day since 2019! Over the next couple months, we’ll also gather in our parks for a new family-friendly concert series, and also for our annual Adult Field Day.
I’m optimistic because we are regaining a sense of normalcy - not just the return to public events, but about the things that really matter. There are no limitations on how often we can see and hold our grandchildren or grandparents. We can go to church again and worship without worrying about masks. We can eat in our favorite restaurants and break bread with neighbors. And, while we still have to care for those who can’t get them, those of us who’ve gotten our shots can do all that with a high level of confidence that we will not get sick.
We can also go to our workplaces and our schools, taking with us all the lessons learned. We can restart the many community and volunteer activities that faded during the pandemic, and do so with renewed energy and a clear recognition of their importance to all of us who serve and are served by them.
Lastly, I’m optimistic about the state of our city. One of my responsibilities is to give an annual State of the City Address. It’s a lot like the President’s State of the Union, but with a lot less pomp and a lot more circumstance. It’s important for you to hear all the good that is happening in Tucker, and how that good work is setting the stage for you to prosper. I want you to hear how we are focused on the jobs you elected us to, and on staying in our lane. It’s all leading to a community where you can make your own choices about how to Live, Work, Play and Pray for your whole life. It comes from an understanding that city government can’t fix all the social ills around us, but we can work hard every day to make sure we have a safe, clean, friendly place to live, with all the amenities we want and need close to home. Because we worked harder than ever toward that end during the pandemic, Tucker is coming out of it in much better shape than many other municipalities. We are ready for and optimistic about the future, and I look forward to sharing that news next month.
Before I close, I want to extend my support to the people of Ukraine. Yes, we are facing rising food and gas prices, but they are literally losing their lives and livelihoods, and perhaps even losing sight of their reason for living. It’s a terrible situation, and many of us are frustrated at not being able to do much for the people at the center of the storm. Here are a few things that can provide both immediate practical help, and just might help secure our future. First, pray. Pray for the people under attack, and for the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. Pray for all the nations, including ours, who have to make decisions about their role in the conflict. Second, bear witness to how bad it can be, recognize it can happen anywhere and commit yourself to holding your government accountable to its own limitations. And finally, consult your church or place of worship to see if they are helping in the war zone. A lot of brave faith leaders in Ukraine are getting significant support from churches here in America. You can also give to organizations like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross who have operations on the ground in Ukraine. There are many tangible ways you can participate in providing relief. There are better days ahead, and you can help bring them sooner.
