Thoughts ~ One year after Pilgrimage to Norway

I woke this morning to the ping of my phone and a series of texts from my friends who went on a Pilgrimage last year in Norway. Our dear Mary Lynn Miller, on the far right in a purple shirt, sent this photo and reminded us today is the one year anniversary of our first steps on the Norwegian  Pilgrimage of St. Olav’s Way. @marylynnmillerWe had no idea what was ahead for us in the next two weeks, much less in the next 365 days. In this photo I still didn’t know that I would have no backpack and I would wear the clothes you see me in for the next two weeks. I didn’t know these people would become like a second family to me. I didn’t know I could walk 8-14 miles uphill in 90+ degree weather. I didn’t know the miracle of St. Olav and why an entire 200+ mile pilgrimage path and cathedral were built in his honor. I didn’t know that you should treasure sleeping in a room with 5 other people almost nose to nose and giggling like teenagers into the night might be a thing that  I would, in eight months time, come to be horrified by. I didn’t yet know about Zoom, social distancing, shopping for a mask, the importance of reading everything I can on systemic racism, the hazards of sharing a Coke or  sitting three to a seat on a train. I now have a reverent appreciation for corporate worship, tight and extra long hugs, baseball games, ALL health care and essential workers, going to museums and visiting nursing homes…. 
Dear Lord, Creator, Mother of us all,  What will the next twelve months bring us? What is my most important lesson? How can I be a light in this world when I am retired and social distancing? Help us to find ways to emerge from this with souls, hearts and minds that are kinder, more gentle, more understanding, and softer. Help our families. Lift the depressions of distancing.Please bring peace to my daughters as they navigate long and often days with infants and young children. Guide my son who lives in Los Angeles to find creative work when the entertainment industry is shut down.   Lord, please keep wifi working. Please bring me enough ego to take a shower and brush my teeth each day, but put the breaks on the ego that reads a little and thinks I am “a super woke woman” when I really need to shut up and keep reading. Thank you for those who are doing the hardest jobs in our world. Keep my voice quieter (not silent just turn the volume down) and my mind brighter. Amen