I didn’t mind the rain on Monday. It was a good excuse to take a nap rather than go for a walk. “April showers bring May flowers” so there’s that benefit to the rain as well. And yet, after a year of mostly being inside, I didn’t think I’d be saying this so soon, but spending a rainy day inside was a gift.

Life is picking up pace again. Don’t get me wrong, it is fun being with family again, celebrating birthdays and watching my seven-year-old grandson play baseball. Seeing gorgeous tulips and breath-taking orchids while walking around Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens with Joe was delightful. Staging worship with others from St. John’s for streamlining once we can gather for in person, indoor worship was a positive sign that things are moving forward.

Moving forward is essential, otherwise stagnation sets in. And yet, like others, I have mixed feelings about this. Life is not the same as it was before the pandemic. Injustices and inequities are more visible. There’s residual grief for the things and people we lost. Priorities have changed. Plus, we’ve finally been able to catch our breath, recalibrate, rest, and pray.

As we regather with our families, neighbors, friends, and fellow church members, let’s give each other wide-berth to feel what we feel without judgment. It’s going to take some time to adjust. And that’s okay. In preparation for regathering, I hope you’ll read the “compact” and protocols from our Regathering Team. They’ve done a great job and worked hard to ease us safely back into being together again. And then, if you are so inclined, I highly recommend taking a nap!

Blessings,

Jenny+

P.S. I can now confirm that our first indoor in person regathering service of worship will be on Sunday, May 9th at 10:00am. See below for details!