365

“For we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Day 365. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s been a year. A year of daily blog entries; I thought it would be a few weeks.

Last year at this time, the coronavirus was all anyone was talking about. How long would schools be closed? Did I need to buy a mask? What was the safest way to buy groceries? What will it be like to worship in my living room or at the kitchen table instead of in the Grace sanctuary?

365 days later, COVID-19 continues to dominate our headlines. But this has not been the only news. During the past year we found ourselves confronted more clearly with the pandemic of racism and white supremacy. We’ve witnessed the peaceful transition of power, finally, in spite of an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We’ve suffered countless small losses and many big ones.

Looking back over the year, however, it is abundantly clear to me that the Lord has been good to us. We have found new ways of worshipping and connecting with one another. We have seen children thrive in difficult circumstances. We have had difficult conversations about race, conversations that might have been impossible a year ago. We have made, in ways both halting and imperfect, something resembling progress. And there is light at the end of the tunnel. As the first disciples couldn’t keep themselves from preaching the gospel, may we tell of the good words of our God.

We’ve been through a lot together, even while we’ve been apart. Thanks for reading. For a bit longer yet, I’ll keep writing each day. Here’s to the future! Remember, for the people of God, the future is always bright. Always, always, do we see the glimmer of resurrection dawn peaking over the horizon.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of hope, continue to lead the way. Bless us as we continue to care for one another by keeping further apart than we’d prefer. Bring us back together soon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: The same picture we started with last year. May this room be full soon!