Summer
is here—but such a different summer from all the ones that have come before, as
we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic! We tend to think of summer as time for
slowing down a bit from the frenzied pace of life during the other seasons of
the year, and summer is our quintessential vacation time. This year, our summer plans are necessarily
being shaped by concerns about COVID-19.
We are faced with decisions about health and safety and risk that were
never before part of our consciousness.
I
have spoken to a number of parishioners who are looking forward to time away
with family in the next few weeks, often with some modifications for health
reasons. My prayer for all of you is
that you will indeed find some ways this summer to enjoy the rest and
restoration that vacation time provides—even if you end up taking a
“staycation” at home. God knows that all
of us are weary and need some recreation (to be re-created!). And I am praying for all of you to stay safe
and healthy.
John
and I will be away from the afternoon of June 28 through July 11. For the first five days we will be in Natural
Bridge, VA, with John’s sister’s family:
Elizabeth, David, and their two sons, 9-year-old Matthew and
18-month-old Noah. We haven’t seen them
in more than a year, and I can’t wait!
We’ve been emailing back and forth about social distancing practices so
that we are all on the same page when we are together. Then, from July 4 through 11, John and I will
be at the diocesan cottage in Sandbridge, VA at St. Simon’s-by-the-Sea. We will lead the July 5th service
(online? In person, with social
distancing? Who knows?) and then spend
the rest of the week enjoying the quiet peace of Sandbridge’s uncommercialized
strip of beach.
Whatever
kind of vacation time this summer holds for you, I pray that it will be
restorative and will draw you ever closer to the God who created and adores
you. I love this prayer from the BCP (pg
825) and am praying it for all of you:
O
God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace;
and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our
minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Anne
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