We are in the 6th official week under ‘stay at home’ orders. And even though I have been presenting a brave front for everyone, there are days when they feel heavy and I want to scream ‘enough of this.” And when that moment is over I realize that staying at home is uncomfortable for us, sometimes, but if I did not follow this order then some people’s lives could be at risk.
So, the practice that I am trying to foster within me every day is to find the blessings in each day and to keep reminding myself of them. The recent blessings that I have been enjoying are the crisp mornings, the loud chirping of the birds, the emerging sign of new life from the earth, and the green leaves birthing from, what seemed to be, dead branches.
When I light the candle every evening at 8 pm: I think of the first responders who are a blessing to many. When I hear the siren of an ambulance or emergency vehicle go by my house, which seems to be frequent these days: I think of the blessing of these emergency workers. When I go to the grocery store to buy essentials: I think of the blessing of those workers who keep the shelves stocked for us. Every time Bernard calls me to let me know he has food to share, I count that a blessing as I pick up that food and deliver it to someone else who might not have such abundance.
Where are you finding your blessings? Beloved, I am sure you feel low, sometimes, like me. In those moments, I invite you to remember the blessings that we have and ask for strength and patience for these days. Together, we can flatten the curve and help the world deal with this virus. And, while the research for the vaccine continues, and medical professionals work at controlling this pandemic -- we will continue to do our part -- we will continue to follow the best medical advice, and we will continue to find new ways to stay connected with our communities.
We will continue to be the church virtually. We hope you will stay connected with us through any, or many, of these church offerings:
Worship on Sundays at 11:00 am- joining by phone- call 312 626 6799- Meeting ID: 489 148 569 and Password: 290727 or https://zoom.us/j/489148569?pwd=bFkyZE1IbWpheGdtMzZFRitHZ09jQT09 (Note that we start at 10:30 am to give time to folx to visit and to troubleshoot for anyone having difficulties with logging in.)
Beloved, let us continue to find blessings for ourselves, create blessings for others and experience the presence of God in each other, even in virtual ways. Each day is a blessing. Every breath is a blessing. This creation is a blessing.
Beloved, be blessed and be a blessing! Let us continue to pray together for all those who are working hard to find a cure for this virus. Let us all do our part -- by continuing to stay home, stay safe and stay well. May God give all of us the strength we need for each day.
And remember, I am always your partner in justice and in ministry,
