It has been 12 months since we closed our sanctuary.
12 months.
I’m not sure if I can adequately express the grief of this.
For the first time, we had kids in our sanctuary this week. They came solo or in sibling groups. On the platform, signing their song for the camera.
Tears flooded my eyes.
How much they’ve grown.
None of their shoes or pants or skirts fit like they did one year ago.
One year.
We were just two days away from our Adventurer and Pathfinder Sabbath on March 14, 2020, when life changed. As we gathered on March 7, little did we know everything would soon change. The baptisms that day brought such joy! We greeted each other. We hugged and ate a fellowship meal together. Such love. We didn’t realize how much life would change.
Perhaps that’s one of the things this COVID-19 season has taught. Some of the most valuable experiences are those that are hardly noticeable in the moment. The simple, everyday things easily overlooked. Though the saying is worn out from overuse, it still holds true: we took these things for granted. I took these gifts for granted. Expressions of care. Hugs. Meals. Gathering together. Singing. Worship.
Beloveds, what a gift it is to do life together. Now, in this way, and also in the ways that are coming. I want to be alive in the moment of what is.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Today, I receive this gift from the Unchanging One – the Source of all good gifts.
** This picture of my daughter and I was one we took that last Sabbath we were able to worship together as a church – March 7.
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