Remembrance or celebration? Simply put, it depends on reasons and attitudes.
I certainly have experienced them both this year and both have affected my life forever. Yours too?
As I sat and wrote this article, I鈥檇 been thinking of that dire announcement, approximately a year ago, when the news of a pandemic was proclaimed. Based on what I鈥檝e heard in the media and from local conversation, I鈥檓 not sure that anyone could have guessed the scope of devastation that the COVID plague would inflict internationally or that it would last this long.
Now, entering our third wave of the pandemic, whose life hasn鈥檛 been affected?
For me, it meant the cancellation of a long-anticipated visit from our son and daughter-in-law from out of province, a disappointment deeply felt. Then, though some may think it strange, I sincerely miss my daily bus rides to town. I鈥檇 take the first bus in the morning, get off at the walking track, do my laps, catch the next bus heading into town and then walk over to my favourite shop for tea.
As a precaution, I no longer take public transportation. Above all, I miss attending church in person. Thank God for Zoom but it 鈥渏ust ain鈥檛 the same.鈥� Garbled conversations through a voice-altering mask, no more hand-shaking and no hugs; losses that I can only hope and pray will be restored sometime in my lifetime.
But enough of this negativity because I have so much to celebrate. First, vaccinations, bus drivers who return my hand-waves and I can drive to town for my tea. Small things but major reasons to celebrate. Above all, our hope and future has been assured because of humanity鈥檚 greatest cause to celebrate: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
鈥淐elebrate God. Sing together鈥攅veryone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!鈥� Psalm 32:11
