once again picked up small branches and sticks the winds had blown off those beautiful old trees and checked the progress of the grass growing where the Kudzo had been removed. Just walking the earth at both churches felt like a good, right and holy thing to do. If anyone had stopped to question me. I would have just smiled and said, “It’s essential.”
How special it was Holy Saturday night to hear so many of your voices during our Easter Vigil prayers via teleconferencing. We had about thirty folks “on-line” for that evening. We will continue our evening prayers going forward on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. however, I anticipate we will begin to do that by Zoom so we will have a chance not only to hear each other, but also see one another. I’ll keep you posted on the progress (and instructions) for this Zooming.
Also, for a while I will continue to post a mid-week reflection – another way to stay in touch. And you can expect an on-line Sunday sermon/homily from me. At this time I want to specially thank Dean Hinnant my videographer. He’s not only really good at what he does, he is patient with me and my learning curve.
And now for the really GOOD NEWS! Easter is not over. Easter Day is the first day of a fifty-day liturgical season in our tradition. And how fabulous that this Easter season is mirrored in and mirrored by this beautiful Spring. New life is emerging all around us. How can we not smile and have hope despite the distressing virus that is trying to hi-jack life? I am not down-playing what is happening with this virus. However, I know from long life experience that one of the best antidotes to fear and anxiety is to focus on what builds us up, not tears us down. Something about holding on to the good, despite what is negative. Building up and savoring what is good gives us greater strength and confidence that we will make it through a negative time.
Please be gentle with yourself, connect with loved ones and friends via telephone, skype, zoom, using the technology that we have to make life connected at a time when we feel disconnected. But also be careful of all the technology – too much news, too much internet – can heighten anxiety, and also divert us from experiencing this beautiful nurturing time that nature has to offer. Savor quiet, beauty, the food you eat, the walks you take, the books you read, the music you listen to. Savor the people that you are sheltering with. Even now, especially now, there is much to savor in life. We need to nurture and be nurtured by one another and all of creation around us. It builds our immune system. Gather strength from this springtime, from living into these many days of Eastertide. It will bring peace. May it be so . . . .
Torrence
Farnham Pictures courtesy of Susan Crowley
