This week we will observe the anniversary of the pandemic and its effects on our state, culture, and life. It is not something that we want to celebrate. In fact, much has been lost, plans have had to change, and there are reasons to grieve. I have resorted to my advice around “grief” for others as the way to order my days this week: “Drive cautiously, eat something (not everything), and rest even if you can’t sleep.”
At the same time, might I suggest some things to celebrate. How have your family dynamics changed (for good)? Did you develop new priorities? Are there pieces of pandemic life that you’d like to normalize? Any chance some things of the “old normal” needed to go anyway?
Lastly, I think it might be helpful to give thanks and celebrate the faithfulness of God in the last year. Yes, it was hard. Yes, we made sacrifices; we were forced into and survived the change. Yet, God’s Spirit sustained us with daily bread and daily faith to take it one day at a time. Grace was a constant companion and prayer a necessary tool, and God did not disappoint! Jesus’ words ring truer still: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…Learn from me, for my burden is easy and my yoke is light” (Matthew 11:28).
Drive, eat, and rest. Pastor Culynn
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(March 14), you are invited to read:
Luke 16:19-31