Friday, November 20, 2020

Suzi Raeside

Blessings

I realize that the long months of this pandemic have stretched people's nerves to a snapping point. It is so easy to start every conversation with words of depression and sorrow and even anger. It is so easy to regale each other with the hardships we are all experiencing. In doing so, however, I found myself being drawn to a dark place, a place I did not want to be. So I started to think of all the blessings that this pandemic has brought into my life. It started last spring when our 70 year old home got some very needed updates from the basement to the kitchen to the front walkway. Not being able to be with our family down south was probably the most difficult. Voila! Along comes Zoom and a chance to learn new technologies that stretch my brain activity to a new level. Our local family has become very close knit as we remained a family unit during this time and feel safe being with one another. I had successful spinal surgery which I wouldn't wish on anyone, however, what a great time to recover. I can't go anywhere, most of my activities have been put on a permanent hold for now, and i learned to take things at a much slower pace.

But above all these blessings, the connection with my St. John's community has been the most important. I have loved reading about trips across the country with a wonderful mother. I have loved seeing young parishioners delivering food and smiles to neighbors. I was dazzled by the dance and music interpretations. I am in awe of the dads and husbands who have taken up bread baking during this time. Many of these people I have yet to meet as I have been an 8 o'clocker for years. But they have found their way into my heart and I will search them out when we can gather again. God has showered me with blessings, I just had to stop and be still and listen for His voice in others.