From Our Pastor, Rev. Gloria Smith
January 2021
Happy New Year!
I have heard many say: “I will be so glad when 2020 is over”. Well, it is over but unfortunately, we are still coping with the challenges of 2020. While some feel relief that there is a change in the administration coming this month there is still concern due to the number of issues that have to be addressed by the new administration. We are also in the middle of a Covid-19 surge like no other. Positive cases are increasing and deaths are rising while we wait for distribution of the vaccine.
When the pandemic started, many people stepped up to provide support for one another. They delivered groceries, checked on neighbors, contacted one another safely, and stayed at home. Unfortunately, Americans are impatient and expect solutions to come quickly and life to return to normal within weeks. We have learned that there are medical diseases that cannot be cured in weeks and for some there is no cure. As a result of growing impatience, a number of people have just given up, grown tired of survival mode, created a denial system so intense that they really believe there is nothing to fear as well as other responses.
As we begin the new year, we cannot give up, grow numb or allow depression and frustration if it has been setting in during the past months. We must hold onto the reality that vaccines are here. We must hold onto the reality that vaccines are here and we are in line. It is just a really long line.
We can use the remainder of time preparing for a strong reopening to the lives we want:
- What did you want to do during your time at home that you have not finished? Focus on getting those projects done so they are no longer on you “to do” list.
- What habits, behaviors or attitudes have you developed during these pasts months that you do not want to take into your grand opening to the live you long for tomorrow? As an example: do you need to get up earlier or get out of your pajamas before noon?
- What do you want to remember about 2020 as you go forward? What do you not want to drag into 2021?
- What are the things or people you miss most right now? What kind of plans do you want to make to do these things or see these people?
Remember – we are closer to returning to our community than we have been living under the threat of this pandemic. We will face this year together and get through it together.
Blessings,
Rev. Gloria