FROM FATHER DAVID
I am reminded daily of the many instances for which I am thankful. As of late, I give thanks to all of you for keeping me and my family in your prayers after the long ordeals of caring for sick family members and saying goodbye to them. I am so thankful for your care through thoughts and prayers as I recover from my recent shoulder surgery. I am especially grateful for our relationship together in ministry as your priest. So, let me share why recognizing this gratefulness is so important to me.
After the onset of the many events that fell upon all of us in the last two years, I have been affected emotionally, psychologically and physically by the inability to project a positive future not just for me, but for all whom I love and care for. Amidst the political, social and pandemic onslaught that has taken place, I have been depressed, fearful, angry and confused about what tomorrow brings. Perhaps you too have had similar feelings. If not for being reminded of who we are as loving and caring people and sharing with each other our stories of strife and living through them, I could not compare my situation nor appreciate that I am not alone in this life experience. I am a people person, not surprising I am sure, and when I cannot visit, be present with others physically, share our experiences of joy, sadness and hope together, I get lost pretty quickly within my self and begin to doubt my purpose and call to what God has prepared for me. You, the people of Resurrection parish have been a steadfast force that has helped me to cope with what has beset all of us in our recent past.
With more people returning to church, participating in events, sharing in fellowship, I am beginning to feel whole again. I no longer doubt what the future holds personally, and in my life with the parish and our friends. Debbie and I have been very fortunate not to contract the virus or be significantly ill during the covid periods. I must share with you how grateful I am for all of you who have acted on the advice to care for yourselves during this time so that others can also be safe from infection. I am disappointed with the political and social issues that have complicated our abilities to make good decisions and share best practices in order to remain healthy and help others to be healthy. As I share my gratitude with you, I must share in thanksgiving for all who continue to make decisions to care for others as well as themselves.
And now, as we continue to face threats of more disease, I commend to all of us to make the best decisions to protect ourselves, and others as we come back together in fellowship. The parish facility will continue to offer masks, sanitizer and maintain a registry of visitors in order to be safe together and provide any necessary information regarding viral exposures.
Please know I continue to be thankful for all of you and that being able to be with you and share with you is my greatest pleasure. With much love and affection, David +
