“Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.” John 15:4 (MSG)
The summer of 2020 was a cinch compared to this summer. Last summer we were in the second three months of the pandemic. We were in “Stay Safe” mode and doors were given the go ahead to open just a bit. Just enough to keep the lights on at our local businesses. Give us some hope.
We wore our masks diligently and waited for a vaccine. Forced to do less, we spent time with our pods of friends and family. For those of us who weren’t first responders, space allowed us to enjoy moments of quiet and rest.
Painstakingly we get to this summer and the world is exhausted and cranky. There isn’t even a slogan to motivate- no “Stay Safe Minnesota”. Vaccines available, unworn masks in abundance, and a new variant in our midst. Now we hear “Stay Busy.” Don’t “Stay Home” or “Safe.” Just “stay busy.”
What did we learn this past year?
As a spiritual director I walk with people searching for some source to help move them forward. They can’t believe what is expected of them with so much uncertainty and impatience. Their reserve is empty.
Through Ignatian Spirituality we understand God is in all things- in all people and all relationships.
How do we keep going? We accompany one another. Walk with each other. Stay present knowing God through the Holy Spirit is in the moment. That Light doesn’t always lift our hearts, but it does always give Grace. Realizing that Sacred moments will be revealed when we pause. When we Abide as God wants us to Abide. Connected to the vine and sustained with Love.