Next Tuesday March 23rd marks a year since the first lockdown was announced, a year in which, world wide, over 2.6 million people have died of Covid-19, and countless more lives have been affected by ongoing physical and mental illness, grief and economic turmoil. We will all have coped with loss of some kind, whether it was a bereavement in lockdown, from Covid or otherwise, not being able to see loved ones even in the neighbouring counties, missing friends, or a loss of education and opportunities for our young people - the list of loss is long.
Loss needs to be acknowledged and grieved in order that we might move forward at the right time - which will be different for us all. The psalms provide such a great model for this - psalmists cry out to God in rage and despair - and don't stop there. They remember God's goodness of old and know that they will rejoice in it once again. It's a helpful model to follow. You may like to pop into church for private reflection on March 23rd.
Here's the rest of the Newsletter 180321
