Hidden Blessings

          Much has been written and said about what a terrible year 2020 was, and certainly, for many, this is true.  However, it is also a year that has contained many hidden blessings – probably more for some people than for others.  Thus, I invite you to look with me for some of those hidden blessings.

          For me, it has been an opportunity to learn new things – like how to do a “live” video, or what a video filter is, or how to use Zoom.  It has also been a time to learn some new music, as our band members were suddenly available to play more often.

          Because of some of these new things, our congregation is now “out there,” allowing others to join in our worship, or even to check us out for the first time.  People from other provinces, Switzerland, and Cameroon have worshiped with us, and local people who are rarely able to make it to worship in person have been able to join in online.

          While many, of course, miss seeing each other, there has been unexpected online interaction, as well as this wider reach for our worship.

          Meanwhile, some things that had been on the back burner for a long time suddenly became priorities.  It took a lot of time to do it, but we finally have a usable and functioning email list for the congregation.  We also now have a mailing list for those who do not have email.  This makes it possible to keep in touch more than we were able to before.  It also makes it possible in the future for people to print their own bulletin and bring it with them to worship.

          From a personal perspective, I was saved from certain disaster in March, as my schedule was becoming more ridiculous by the week. When everything shut down, I was happy to be able to rest and to have some evenings at home.  This year has been a chance to re-evaluate which things are most important, and I have no intention of returning to everything I was doing before.

          At the same time, I have had more connection with colleagues than ever before.  Weekly Zoom meetings have been a source of inspiration and support and collaboration in ministry with people whom I would normally see only once or twice a year.  This has, indeed, been a blessing.

          I have also, through several “stay-cations,” focused more on getting out in nature, and have discovered that walks in the woods are possible even in the middle of winter!  In the past, it would not have occurred to me to put on some warm clothes and head out into the woods in the snow.  Now, though, it seems like a good thing to do.

          A final hidden blessing that I have been thinking about is the installation of our 2020 church council and officers on the final Sunday that we were able to meet together in person.  Every single one of them was present due to canceled travel plans.  I have also (perhaps jokingly) wondered what happens if a council remains “uninstalled” for an entire year?

          While I do not minimize in any way the challenges that so many have faced this year, I hope that you, too, have been able to find some hidden blessings.  For, the promise of Jesus remains: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

          In Christ,

          Pastor Lynne Hutchison