| I am sad. I am missing you all terribly. I am missing my freedom. I am missing my old life. You know, the life from a week ago, before all of this restriction, caution, and fear were fully unleashed. I imagine you are feeling some of these things, too. Here’s something we know about loss: it begets other loss. Any loss will stir up old feelings of other losses. And suddenly we have some space and time to actually feel those feelings of loss. Don’t be surprised if you’re experiencing a lot of grief in these days and weeks of coronavirus.
High school and college seniors are experiencing the loss of their end-of year rituals: proms, play-offs, graduation. People are missing birthday parties and retirement celebrations. Weddings are being rescheduled. Humans continue to be born and die, but our rituals around those pivotal events are being postponed or rethought. All of this is so confusing and so hard. You are not alone if you are struggling with this. As the information continues to roll out, we continue to face more disappointment as we are asked to contemplate more loss – this week our Bishop said no services at least through Easter. In the Diocese of Washington, their Bishop said no services until May 16. A clergy friend of mine said, “I don’t care what Sunday it is, whenever we get back together, we’re having Easter, complete with hats and brass and an Easter egg hunt!”
One thing we heard from folks after last weekend was that it was nice to watch the service from the National Cathedral, but what we are missing most is our sacred space and our priests. For better or for worse, we have pre-recorded a eucharist that you will be able to watch on your own time this weekend. Let us know how it works for you. We’re all on a learning curve to figure out how to be church without gathering in person. Please reach out if you need help. Lots of people are ready and waiting to assist whatever need you might have – physical, spiritual or emotional! In the meantime, keep breathing. Long, slow, deep, conscious breaths. And pray.
Here’s a prayer from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer:
God of the present moment God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to us as we wait in uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make us the equal of whatever lies ahead. Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health and wholeness; you are God and we need you. Amen.
Your sister in Christ, Ann+ |
