Today is a day of grief. Last night, the dad of my high school friends passed away peacefully after fighting covid-19 in ICU for a week and a half. I don’t have words. They had the option to suit up and join their dad in the room to say goodbye. The three sisters chose to stay out of the room to protect her own health and the health of their families. To have to make a decision between your own health and being there for a loved one in their final moments….the pain of that decision, even after death, must be tremendous. Please join me in a time of silence and prayer today for all those who are in hospital, or will be with this virus. And for all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. They’re not just “out there”. These people are here in our midst too.
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.:
Psalm 84:1-7
Growing Into Up 