After this weekend, we will have been in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic for 4 weeks. Leaders of all types of government are reminding that we are not gathering, publicly or privately outside of the members of our own home because it is Easter weekend and gatherings of 5 or more are banned.
Chris lost his paternal grandfather this week. We are navigating grieving in a pandemic. This part feels inhumane. When those you love are missing a part of their heart, a hug goes a long way. Funerals restrictions allow up to 10 people. Perhaps you know all of this, but I am aware that I am living history right now. When my children ask me to remember, I want the details to be there in my blog.
Reading my old blogs, I look back and encourage myself. I see how hopeful and enthusiastic I was as a new parent. I wasn't as weathered as I am now. I often say when Rylyn was born I knew everything and now I know nothing. The more I live, the more I realize I know a whole lot less than I did the day before.
It's Good Friday. I like going to church on Good Friday. As a child, on our way to church, My mom would remind me that Easter did not exist without Good Friday. I like going to church because I am not musically gifted, but I love to worship through singing. I find myself examining and exploring my options of worship that are authentic during this strange time.
Here is what feels real: Love. Love feels real. This is my gospel. I filter all my beliefs through love.
In the story the Velveteen rabbit, a boy loves his stuffed rabbit through scarlet fever. He must relinquish that rabbit after he is well, due to the sickness. The story ends with rabbit being made real because of the boy's love. Love is authentic worship.
Like the Velveteen rabbit, I have become weathered and worn by life. His love heals and forgives my failings. Jesus makes me real.
I wish you realness this weekend. If the Bible isn't your thing, maybe you will enjoy the Velveteen rabbit this weekend and remember love makes you real. Like the verse from John says, how you love proves who you serve.
If you need a friend during all of this, we are here for you. That's how I do church.
Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. -John 13:34-35
