On this day 9 years ago, I said goodbye to my best friend. I mark this day each year by sharing her stories, being extra kind to others, and enjoying some fun food/beverages. This year will be no different.
Here are some important things to remember about grief.
-There is no timeline on grief. It is not weird or strange that nine years later I still observe this day. It is also not weird or strange if you do not remember the date of a loved one’s death. It is not weird or strange if you find yourself somewhere in between!
-There are many different ways to grieve. You can pick the ways you remember your loved ones who have died. I recommend not judging how others grieve, and not letting comments from others upset the way you are grieving.
-Grieving is hard work. Be kind to yourself on the hard grief days. Be aware of how you are feeling and the things/words that bring your emotions closer to the surface.
In memory of my buddy, Kristi, raise a glass of your favorite beverage and toast those you love near and far and drink in their honor and memory.
No matter how you are currently feeling about COVID-19, there is one thing on which we can all agree it has affected our lives. Over the past year, it has been a regular topic of conversation and has changed the way we live our lives.
Recently the conversations I have heard have been about what is the right thing to do. If I’m vaccinated, can I do this? How should vaccinated and unvaccinated people interact? When will I get the vaccine? How long will this last? So many questions are focused on what is the right thing to do for myself and for others.
While pondering all these questions, a colleague sent me an article from TIME called “We’re in the Third Quarter of the Pandemic. Antarctic Researchers, Mars Simulation Scientists, and Navy Submarine Officers Have Advice for How to Get Through It” by Tara Law.
The article says that the “third quarter phenomeon” was first named by researchers in 1991 who were observing people living in cold climates who had no choice but to isolate due to the weather. They noted changes in the moods of people nearing the end of their time of isolation. Whilte this is still a theory, it might apply to how some of us are feeling in this 3rd Quarter of COVID-19. Vaccines are rolling out. Restrictions are easing. The weather is improving. What are we to do?
This article talks about the similiarties people felt in isolation and encourages the reader to be aware of how one is feeling. As we can see the light beginning to peak out at the end of the tunnel, you may find yourself “irritable, unhappy, or otherwise off”. This is because we are all tired of how it has been, looking ahead to what is coming, and tired of putting in the extra effort required to continue to isolate and distance.
What helped those in the article? “Focusing on the mission.” As far as COVID-19 is concerned, our mission hasn’t changed. We want to slow the spread and keep each other safe and healthy. This article recommended caring for yourself and doing things to feed your spirit as together we live through this 3rd Quarter of COVID.
Let us pray. Holy One, we are tired. We are tired of being 6 feet apart from each other. We are tired of wearing our masks. We are tired of hand santizing and washing our hand although we will continue to do so. Give us the strength to keep on keeping on. Remind us of your love for each of us and how we are called to care for each other. Help us when it is hard. Thank you for all who have worked so dilligently to beat this virus. Help us to see our small steps as ways we support each other. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
I wrote this prayer earlier this week. I have prayed it many times lately in thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness whatever the day may bring. Peace to you, this day.
Holy One, On the hard days be our cup of tea and warm blanket comforting us and holding us close. On the easier days be the birdsongs and sunshine reminding us of joy and consistency. On the days in between, give us strength for the journey for whatever we may encounter today. Amen.
Last week, my Mom died. I spent her final days with her. Her family surrounded her physically and with our love. Our hearts are broken. I found comfort in writing these words about her which were read at her service.
Lessons Learned from My Mom
-Love your people with your whole heart. Mom didn’t always say I love you out loud. She lived her love by being present with those she loved, by listening, by remembering. A few years ago, Becky decided she wanted her parents to say I love you out loud, so she trained them to end each phone conversation and visit with an I love you. Be like Mom and tell people you love them and make your actions match your words.
-Read a Book! We all know Mom loved to read. Her face lit up when she talked about a new book she was reading. While her husband didn’t share her love of reading, he would go with her to used book sales and repack her books so she got the most books possible in her box of books for one price and he would amuse himself in countless bookstores while Mom browsed and bought more books. In November, Mom and Susannah sorted through her vast book collection as Mom said, “I will never live long enough to read all these book.” It wasn’t a sad moment because they laughed as they realized that Mom’s personal library after sorting was still so large that it would take many lifetimes to read through. Be like Mom and read a book.
-Spoil your grandchildren. While Mom loved her husband, daughters and sons-in-law, the joy she felt for Ella and Reid was immeasurable. Grandma Marilyn as they called her made each day special for them with time for playing together and as that got harder for her plenty of time for snuggling in her chair. Grandma Marilyn was so proud of the amazing people her grandchildren are and knew they were going to do great things in their life. Be like Grandma Marilyn and spoil your grandchildren with love.
-Keep your promises. On a hot summer day in 1971, a very much younger Marilyn married Paul. And for the next 49.5 years, they were partners in life. It could not have been easy being a pastor’s wife, never living near family, moving multiple times and starting over in a new strange place, and yet Paul’s call to ministry was Marilyn’s call too. They had different temperaments and interests, and a common purpose to love each other and raise a family. And in the good times and hard times, they were there for each other. Be like Marilyn and keep your promises.
-Love your work. For many years, Mom’s work was raising her children and being involved in church. When Becky was in high school, Mom started working at Walmart. She loved the people she worked with and the people she helped. When she started, she worked overnights so she didn’t miss any of Becky’s activities or sports. When she moved to the Bloomington store, she switched to day shift. She showed up for work each day with a smile on her face and brightened the days of her coworkers and customers. She always had a fun story to tell about what happened today at Walmart. Whatever work you do, be like Mom and do it with a smile.
-Live your faith. Mom believed in living her faith by loving others and sharing what she had. Her faith was private to her, and yet it was obvious in the way she lived and the choices she made. She loved God with her whole heart and all of her neighbors as herself. Be like Mom and live your faith!
-Laugh! Mom loved to laugh. She laughed often although not too often at Dad’s bad jokes because those usually got an eye roll. When Mom really got laughing, she went into silent mode. Mom would be laughing so hard that no sound would come out and she would jiggle and her face would turn bright red. When that happened you had to laugh along because you knew it was funny. The world needs more laughter, be like Mom and laugh.
-Be strong. Mom was never one to complain. She dealt with pain, the challenges of her illness, and the unknown with strength. As we are all here grieving, try to be strong like Mom.
You know those days when you know that need to be aware of God’s presence in your life because it is going to be a hard, hard day? This is a prayer for those days.
God, this day is just beginning and I know it is going to be hard. I know you will be with me. I know it. And I know myself well enough to know that I will need reminders of your presence today. So remind me of your steadfast love, your wisdom, your compassion as this day unfolds. I know there is nowhere that I can go that you are not with me. Remind me of this when the way ahead isn’t easy. When worries creep in and my mind won’t slow down, be the peace that is needed. If a change in plan is needed and my idea of hope must be rewritten, be the solid rock on which I can stand. Remind me, Gracious God, because today of all days I need a reminder that you will never leave me alone. Amen.
Today is my nephew’s 6th birthday. As I have aged, I have found it easier and easier to rush through life from one task to the next without pausing for fun or noticing the world around me. The younger people in my life remind me to slow down and have fun.
So in honor of his 6 years on earth, I share with you 6 life lessons I have learned from my nephew.
1-Always order dessert when offered! It doesn’t matter if you can finish the whole dessert. Life is filled with many sweet things and we should enjoy them.
Making dirt cake for Grandma!
2-Be crafty! For Christmas, I got this little guy, 6 rolls of Scotch tape because he loves to take a cardboard box, some scissors, and a roll of tape and be creative. You don’t have to make a cardboard car or a holder for your Aunt’s socks without mates. You can look at regular object around your house and find ways to give them new life. Be like Crafty Sam.
Cardboard box, scissors, and tape!
3-Use your cute eyes! Whenever my nephew wants something special like Grandpa’s mac’n’cheese or some extra play time, we encourage him to use his cute eyes. He’ll stop what he is doing and look right at you with the sweetest look on his face. It makes me wonder what if we took the time to look at each other when asking for a favor or help. Slow down and look at another person. See their humanity.
Cute eyes!
4-Say I’m sorry! Lest you think I view my nephew as a perfect child, let me assure you that this energetic 6 year old gets in trouble more than his parents would prefer. He has learned to say he is sorry when he hurts someone else. Do any of us need a reminder today to apologize when we have caused hurt? And maybe a reminder to simply say I’m sorry without excuses-just say I’m sorry when someone else needs to hear it. It isn’t easy when you are six and it isn’t any easier for those of us who are older.
I’m sorry!
5-There’s always time for fun! If you let my nephew plan the activities for a day, be prepared to-run around chasing him or being chased, eat three meals plus snacks, make a craft, run more, build a fort, walk through the woods, run again, color and then run, take a five minute rest which is about 30 seconds for him and then do the whole list again while also playing with dinosaurs, building a puzzle, having a stuffie fight (which means you are tossing stuffed animals at each other and laughing a lot). Just a regular day planned by someone who is 6. I hope you see in that plan that there is always time for fun. How might you add some fun to your day?
Blanket Fort!
6-Say I love you! Everyone wants to hear I love you and it feels good to tell someone you love them. If you aren’t in the habit of saying I love you, why not try it? We all want to know we are loved.
I love you, Grandma!
So that’s your to do list for today-have some dessert, be creative, use what you’ve got, say I’m sorry, make time for fun, and say I love you.
Pray with me.
Creative One, You love us and call us to love others and ourselves. You made us creative beings and ask us to use the gifts we have been given. You created laughter and fun and encourage us to find joy in our days. You remind us to ask for forgiveness when we have done wrong. Continue to walk with us on this journey of life and open our eyes to see those who are brightening our paths by their very presence. Amen.
In preparation for taking down the Christmas tree, I sat quietly near it the other night. I shut off all the other lights in the room. I had the whole room to myself. It was peaceful. The light of the tree was brighter than I expected it to be.
I sat and thought about the Christmas season that had just ended as well as other Christmases. The many trees that have lit homes where I have lived and homes that have welcomed me like family. I thought about trees bursting with ornaments and trees we hoped would make it to Christmas. I reflected on the beauty a Christmas tree shares.
When the tree is put away, it looks so empty for a few days and then we return to “normal life”. Knowing that no matter how hard I try this will happen again this year, I wanted to sit with wonder by the tree one last time.
God of Wonders, Increase our sense of wonder that we may be awed by you and your creation. So often we think of wonders as big things. Remind us to be amazed by the little, everyday things in our lives like a Christmas tree in a silent room. Open us today to the wonders around us calling our names. And help us to keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts when the tree is gone. Amen.
While I still have hope in 2021 and the possibilities of this new year, it has been a hard first week. I heard the phrase this is not who I want my country to be, and I think that is a fitting description.
On hard days, it can be a challenge to find words for prayer. You know that prayer does not require words. Some days the words won’t come, and this is a prayer for those days.
God, What can I say today? I have no words. The words will not come. I am numb. I don’t know what to say. And at times, I have too many words and they are spilling out of me not always making sense. Hear my prayer of too many or too few words. Listen to my heart. Hear my thoughts. Inspire me to action when words are not working. Strengthen me to stand, sit, or get out of the way whichever is needed. And when a break is needed, help me to rest in you. Amen.
Normally on December 31, I look back on the year and remember. My favorite way to do this is through my memory jar. While I don’t want to ignore or forget this year, my memory jar is much emptier than usual due to musicals missed, trips not taken, meals not eaten in restaurants, friends not seen, etc. It was hard for me to write a post-it that said stayed inside today again and get excited about it.
So, I am looking back through pictures and blog posts and Facebook posts that remind me of this year. Amidst the struggle that was this year, I am looking for times I was grateful. I am thankful to have work that is fulfilling and uses my gifts even as I did it in new ways this years. I am thankful for my family and friends who love and support me as they let me support them. And I am looking with hope to 2021 that we will remember the challenges of 2020 and become more compassionate toward ourselves and each other.
God of the Ages, 2020 is on its way out and it will not be forgotten. Our hearts broke this year as we said goodbye to too many people. Our lives changed this year as we covered our faces, stayed home when possible, and learned to distance. We cried and worried and wondered what was the right thing to do. Too many of your children are without work. Too many of your children are sick and lonely. What will happen in 2020? Can we possibly learn from this year? Can you mold us into more compassionate people? Can we remember that we are not isolated beings and instead part of community? Hear our hopes for a better world in 2021. Heal this world and heal us. Amen.
