pandemic

It’s been a tough year. A pandemic, demonstrations, violence, elections, all with varying effects on each of us. But we need a break from all that. The holidays are upon us—Thanksgiving and Christmas with all their joys and traditions. This year as never before we need to open our hearts and minds to all the healing that can come when we concentrate on gratitude, giving, and God coming down to earth in the form of a tiny babe in a manger. The gifts of the holidays can heal us deep down, where we need it most.

So what should we prescribe for Thanksgiving? Maybe an acceptance that it probably won’t be as it’s always been. My daughter-in-law’s family traditionally gathers at their family farm in Pennsylvania. Most years around 22 people congregate from several states. This year due to travel and health concerns that won’t be happening. But she’ll host a smaller gathering in their home and make new memories for her husband and kids.

The location will be different, but the aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven, the table set with the best tablecloth and silverware, the excitement that builds as hungry diners come in and out of the kitchen to sample this or that favorite dish, will be much the same. There will even still be a couple of dogs circling around in hopes of finding a morsel or two on the floor. And as those in attendance bow their heads to pray around the table, the love and gratitude that encircles this precious gathering will deliver a dose of healing to all.

And what’s the recommended dosage for Christmas? Usually we talk about “paring down” the Christmas trappings in order to concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas, but this year maybe it’s an overabundance of everything Christmas, everything celebratory, that will nourish our souls. Time to increase the number of twinkly lights, candles, large red bows, and tins of fudge and cookies! Time to send more cards, not less, in order to tell those you care about that they are in your thoughts and prayers. And yes, time to spend more time than in years past in front of our own hearths, circling our own trees, and thanking God for the miracle that is Christmas.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). As we celebrate this timeless truth may we feel healed—and ready to face whatever 2021 brings.

So you read this title and thought: It’s happened. The woman is delusional or has been living in a cave. Doesn’t she know that a pandemic spread across the world cancelling life as we knew it? Doesn’t she know that violence is destroying some of America’s most renowned cities and wildfires are raging? Doesn’t she know that the political divide has never been deeper, and that the fate of our nation rests on the outcome of the next election? Yes, yes, and yes. I know all that.

But I’m also aware that while we’ve been distracted, concerned, confused, fearful, and maybe just plain mad about all the above, summer simply made her seasonal appearance. And, at least in our corner of the world, she did so in a spectacular and satisfying way.

Although September in Colorado brings many beautiful, warm days, summer always seem to be officially over when school starts—either in classrooms or virtually as this year. So I’m already reflecting on what was so special about a summer that may have slipped by unnoticed.

My husband and I had extra time on our hands which we chose to spend outside walking, swimming, or gardening whenever we could. We actually got tan through the sunblock this year! That’s summer.

After five years in this house, we finally had our own charm (the group name) of hummingbirds. One morning I counted five at the feeder at once! I know for some of you that’s still a paltry few, but since sightings have been so rare for us it was exciting enough for me to put up an extra feeder. Each morning and evening I’ve been charmed by their antics. That’s summer.

Our flowers outdid themselves. The clematis and rose bush in our front yard bloomed not once but twice, and the pots of annuals on the deck performed profusely too. There’s just something about going out barefooted early each morning to water your plants. That’s summer.

The farmers’ market brought fresh green beans, peaches, and homegrown tomatoes, and my son’s vegetable garden produced a bountiful harvest, too. That’s summer.

We’re blessed to have two parks near us and though organized sports leagues were cancelled, the sound of children playing was reassuringly normal. We heard the crack of the bat from pick up baseball games, got to pet all the dogs on their way to the dog park, and even caught sight of a kite stuck in a tree. That’s summer.

Did you miss it? If so, it’s not too late. Set aside your worries about all the things you can’t do much about anyway and get outside so God’s gift of summer can speak to you. You’ll find her message quite soothing and satisfying.

A Dose of Holiday Healing

A Satisfying Summer