What does it mean to love one’s neighbor?
This is a question that followers of the Way of Jesus should ask (and also answer) regularly. And, it is a question with innumerable answers.
Get Vaccinated
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one clear way to love one’s neighbor is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
My Experience
Yesterday I received an automated notification that I was eligible to be vaccinated today at a set location and at a given time. I quickly rearranged my plans.
When I arrived at the site assigned to me by Tarrant County Public Health, I followed the arrows on the pavement and the direction of a uniformed police officer to a non-descript building. Once inside, I was greeted warmly by staff, and had my temperature checked by a freestanding device. From there I proceeded through a few stations to complete paperwork before receiving my vaccination. After I received the first dose of the vaccine I was directed to wait for 15 minutes in an observation area. Then, I was free to leave and continue with my day as planned.
In the nearly five hours since I received the vaccine my only side effect (apart from an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope) has been mild pain and general soreness in my non-dominant upper arm (in and around the area where I received the vaccine).
So What?
Earlier today President Biden suggested it may be possible to improve upon his recently announced plan to provide 1 million vaccinations a day for his first 100 days in office. More specifically, he mentioned the possibility of increasing the goal to 1.5 million vaccinations a day.
As the details become more clear on a national and local level, I encourage you to do your part by
- Signing up to be vaccinated (and following through) whenever you become eligible to do so
- Encouraging (and, when helpful, assisting) those around you – especially those who are most vulnerable to get vaccinated
- Telling the story of your experience as a means of encouraging others to get vaccinated