Congratulations, you have survived another year of the pandemic! If that sounds a little jaded, I guess I am. In German, we call this "Galgenhumor" - gallows humor. Some situations are so dire, the only way to handle them is with humor.
We all have long lists of grievances about COVID-19 and what it has done to us, or taken from us. I've decided I will leave my list in 2021 and start the new year with a clean slate, a new page in the chapter of the book that is my life.
I'm blessed and grateful to have shared this year with you, and for meaningful encounters with you, whether in person, in writing, over the phone, or virtually. The way many of you have stayed connected to each other in manifold ways has been a source of inspiration and comfort.
Now, onward and upward. We keep moving forward. Where, when, how, we don't know. All we know is we are walking this journey together, as God's children, and we are in solidarity and support of each other, including the entire global human family.
My Spiritual Direction program is teaching me to let go of the little things that cause stress, frustration, and anxiety, and to focus on what really matters: my relationship with God, and with other human beings. So I ask myself, how is God present for me in this moment? How is God present for other people - the ones close to me, the ones I may have issues with, or who have issues with me, and the ones I've never even met? That always shifts my perspective. I can still love God and my fellow human beings, with a mask on, while keeping a distance, even when having to cancel trips, events or gatherings. God's love can spread through a computer screen, through a hand-written note, through a silent prayer.
It's hard to remain positive, joyful, energetic. I feel you. I feel it myself.
But what I also feel is God's love. God's love in me, in you, in creation, in music, in comfort food, in favorite places, in furry friends, in hot chocolate with marshmallows, in twinkling lights, in a warm bed... [add yours here.]
That's all we have, my friends, is God's love. It's all we have.
And it's all we need.
Here's to a new year. Another year in God's favor.
God bless us, everyone!
Warmly, Pastor Valeria
