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Advent meditation for December 22, 2020

In the midst of the pandemic it might seem harder to give thanks, but actually, I think it has become easier.
I am thankful for the holiness of slowing down, of not having to be two or three places in one afternoon. 
Staying put means there are few chance encounters, chance conversations. So for now time shared is intentional, often planned, and certainly valued.  

So when I got a call to see if I could come socially distance with a friend, I said yes. I hadn't talked in person to anyone but my husband in weeks. We met, and stayed, outside. The view from her garden was lovely. There was a small lake across the street that was smooth as glass. I felt like I had gone to England sitting there, quietly, masked, and talking. 
And when you don't get to talk much, you have things stored up that need to come out. We both did. 
But it wasn't rushed.
We were simply taking in the blessing of talking with a friend, in the midst of a pandemic that often succeeds in keeping us apart.