More than a year ago, I wrote this poem. It’s encouraging to think that we’re finally getting close to the end of this pandemic.

Pandemic Prayer
by ARHuelsenbeck

Lord, I pray for an end to this pandemic
and yet, as the words leave my heart
I wonder if it’s even good to ask for
an end to the dying
an end to the pain
an end to economic chaos
an end to inconvenience
an end to isolation

what if this is Your way
of welcoming people to eternity
with You, an exodus from pain to paradise
or of reconnecting parents with children
and workers with their neighborhoods
what if this disease is accomplishing Your purpose

I still want to hang on to the way things were
when I could go to rehearsals
or out to dinner and a movie
when I could hug my friends
or even be in the same room with them

Your will be done
please strengthen me for what’s to come

My church reopened for in-person worship this week. We haven’t attended yet, but hope to soon.

Here’s a video of the last time our bell choir played. The song is “My Jesus, I love You.” I’m the short one in the back row.