When my mother died in January I hoped that signaled the end of a long season of grief.

I had no idea we were all about to be plunged into a worldwide season of grief.

Many are grieving the loss of a loved one, and our prayers go up for them.  But we’re all grieving for something.  They may seem like small things; going out to dinner, seeing a movie or a show, gathering with friends.  We are grieving lost opportunities, sporting events, proms and graduations.  We miss the routines of dropping the kids at school, going to work, attending worship services, hanging out at the mall and shopping without face masks.  I miss hugs and chatting with friends over coffee.

They may seem small, but these are the threads that make up the fabric of our lives.  Basically, we’re all grieving the lives we used to have and wondering if things will ever be “normal” again.

The other night, seeing the news that COVID19 deaths had surpassed 100,000, I felt overwhelmed.  Not only are we all grieving, but we are mostly isolated.  Grief needs to be shared.  We need to comfort each other.

Since we can’t physically hold each other, let’s hold each other in prayer.  And remember that God is holding all of us.

Remember the children’s song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand.”?  I think now is a good time to remember it.  Even sing it to yourself, motions and all.  Because it’s true.