In March, we are marking one year of the Covid-19 global pandemic here in the U.S.  The Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering a prayer vigil next week called “One Year in the Wilderness” to gather together across our region in this moment.  The title of the prayer vigil—”One Year in the Wilderness”—certainly captures how life continues to feel on far too many days.  Because we continue to live with uncertainty and loss.  Grief can be complicated, unexpected, and come in waves. 

Yet, we are also experiencing some hope on the horizon.  As more vaccinations happen, as more vaccines become available to the public in general, as the weather gets warmer, perhaps we are starting to move into that moment that the Psalmist so eloquently spoke of: “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) 

I’ve been reading some opinion pieces about marking one year of the pandemic.  And if there’s just a few sentiments to pass along this week, it’s these:

-Be gentle on yourself no matter what this year has entailed for you. 
-There may be a moment this month when the realization that we’ve been living during a global pandemic for one full year hits you.  That’s not easy to face.  But as Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron advises, “Feel the feelings. Drop the story.”

Finally, if you are reading this right now:
-You survived one full year of a global pandemic.
-You supported loved ones during a global pandemic. 

So guess what?  You are stronger and more resilient than you may give yourself credit for, especially on the bad days.  And as always, know that you are not alone and that God is with us all.

Love,
Pastor Lauren

(This Week’s Thoughts 3.4.21)

Photo by Joe Dudeck on Unsplash.