I took a trip up north to visit some dear friends and to rest. It was a glorious four days. My hosts treated me like a special guest and I felt like I was at a bed and breakfast. I needed the rest and the love. I would venture that this past year has been exhausting for you as well.

This past COVID year feels like a record stuck on the same notes, repeating the last line of the record or song. It is irritating and exhausting as one tries to pick up the scraps of life and sew them together. I do have hope that things will be better. I have received my first vaccine shot and am grateful.

But as I think about this, it still feels a bit unsatisfactory.

Then, I remember we have two little ones conceived and growing in utero that I know of. I think about the gift they will be to their parents, family, and community. Babies come with such hope because of the new life that they are. There it is. The hope.

COVID is strong, but we are stronger not because of sheer force, but because we have wits, stamina, and beauty and mostly because we have each other. That may sound sloppy, cheesy, but it is true.

In the weeks/months to come, we will need to remind one another of these things. We haven’t let go of each other. We have gifts yet to be discovered as a community. We dare to love and care, as well as hear and see one another more deeply that ever. May that be. Let that be.

During my last evening, my friend opened her fridge and cupboards as she began pulling all kinds of cheeses, meats, fruits, and vegetables. We feasted together. We laughed together. We enjoyed our evening together. May that be for our community…feasting, laughing, and enjoying,,,together. Let COVID not have the last word over us!

Much love and grace
-Dianne