The Revs. Smiths’ Message for November 15, 2020

Dear Friends,

Has COVID fatigue set in for you? Are you tired of not being able to get together for a dinner party with friends or family? Of not being able to go out for a meal? Of not being able to play hockey or work out at the gym? Are you struggling with paying attention in your virtual classroom? Are you confused about what the rules are? And yes, are you tired of the commute from the basement to the main floor at the end of the work day? It doesn’t give you much time to unwind. And the numbers keep going up. It is hard to be hopeful.

Fidelia and Speranza” (“Faith and Hope”; 1776) by Anglo-American artist Benjamin West (1738–1820); from the collection of the Timken Museum of Art, San Diego; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

At the Remembrance Day service in Ottawa last Wednesday, the Chaplain General, Major-General Guy Chapdelaine, quoted Queen Elizabeth II, saying, “Hope is to be found in the care given to the vulnerable and to those in need.” So thank you to the essential service workers, the grocery store clerks and cleaners, the nurses, the doctors, the orderlies, the personal support workers, the food bank attendants, the online and in person teachers, first responders, pharmacists, transit workers, shelter workers, for all who care for the vulnerable and those in need. We thank God for you.  You give us hope.

Grace and peace to you,

Revs. Bob and Helen Smith

A version of this message first appeared in the Friday, November 13, 2020, edition of Tidbits.