Not Just for Funerals

  “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows,

                he leads me beside peaceful streams.

                he renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

                bringing honour to his name.

Even when I walk

                through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

                for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

                protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

  My heart reaches out to those of you who are alone, quarantined, self-isolating or mandated to stay inside. I pray for the families who are faced with the monumental task of keeping their children safe. I pray for the retirement communities who are under lock down to protect this vulnerable sector.

  I pray for those who do not do well in solitude. May your presence be known to them.

  I pray for those who face losing their jobs, their businesses, and their dreams in these unprecedented times.

  Lord, the news here is mostly about my own country with brief notes and statistics about our global family although I haven’t watched the news very often. I have been burdened with wondering how those who are living in refugee camps worldwide are faring. I lift them up to you, watch over them and keep them well.

   I know firsthand that the pandemic has been particularly hard on the homeless here in my own town. Most of the resources normally providing a safe place to get warm or get something to eat have closed their doors. Thank you for the volunteers who are working hard to care for these marginalized people.

  There is so much fear right now. Fear does terrible things. It changes us. For those who are afraid, may you find peace.

  In 1983 Mr. Rogers, a much loved host of a long ago children’s show, wrote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

  God bless the helpers. God bless those who aren’t able to help as well. Be with us all.

 Even in the midst of all this, seeing spring unfold has given such a lift to my own spirits. The eagles have returned to their nest. The morning bird chorus is loud especially this morning following the gentle rain that fell through the night. The spring peepers (the frogs I so look forward to hearing) have started waking up and fill the warm, afternoon air with their song. It won’t be long before their chorus continues through the night.

  It fills my heart with hope and excitement. Summer is around the corner.