Sacred Connections: The Wonder of Simple Things
This has been another brutal, tragic week of violence in our country, on the heels of a previous week of violence. Such violence in the continuing phases of this pandemic can feel almost numbing or paralyzing. Where is safety? How do we find our footing in this ever-changing and at times seemingly chaotic world? Sometimes it just seems too big, too challenging to even begin to grapple with the earthly concerns of the day.
And then we encounter the blessing of simple things, simple acts of kindness, simple acknowledgement of thanks, simple chances to be with loved ones, and it’s as if we find our ground again. We are reminded of the sacred connections that continue despite all the chaos around us.
Early yesterday I received a text from a friend – his excitement was palpable. “I just got my shot!” Could any of us ever have imagined the elation we might feel over getting a shot? My friend was texting to thank me for a referral that had proved helpful to him. But seeing his message, I was also witnessing a chain of thanksgivings. While this individual had long been eligible for the vaccine, he had not been able to find an appointment that could accommodate his other medical needs. He was very frustrated, just as I had also been a while back. Back then, another friend had given me a good lead, that yet another friend had given her. I’ve passed it on to anyone I’ve encountered struggling, including this dear friend texting his gratitude yesterday. It takes the good will of a village to help us through difficult times. Simple acts of care for each other in words of encouragement and offers of helpful information can have a profound impact on our health, well-being, and feelings of connection in the world.
Several of you have shared the sheer delight of being able to have time now with loved ones who previously could not be visited due to COVID-19 safety precautions. With more people being vaccinated and the easing of visiting policies, people are experiencing that pure joy of connecting in person again. The special sweetness of long hoped for visits fills our hearts in wondrous ways. These visits can’t make up for all the time lost to separation, but they are savored and cherished so much now.
After all my laments of not seeing my family, I am being blessed with a visit from my son this weekend. My feet may not be on the ground because of such pure excitement and joy. It’s a simple thing, a visit from a beloved family member, and yet what it means to me is beyond measure. Pre-pandemic, did I possibly take such visits a little bit for granted – still treasuring them, but assuming they would be part of my life. This visit, after fifteen months, feels like pure celebration! There’s wonder at the depth of excitement a simple visit with a loved one might bring.
A few days ago, I found myself in a conversation with someone about sunrises. We were sharing recent sightings of sunrises almost too glorious to be real. A couple weeks earlier, I had tried to capture one with my camera – the astonishing beauty literally stopped me in my tracks. In our busyness, it’s so easy not to notice. To keep our heads down and think about what’s next or ruminate on what’s not working so well. And yet dawn keeps arising, and we find kindred spirits who also treasure the wonder of these moments, the wonder of it all.
Even after so many months of the pandemic keeping us physically apart, these simple acts of care and appreciation, these simple moments of love and gratitude keep us very close. The sharing of causes of concern and moments of delight deepen our connection with each other. We have the open invitation to be truly present even when physically distant. And when we are able to visit, or gather outside for worship in the park, we experience such joy that reflects the wonder of so much love.
