It was a year ago last week that we all started COVID lockdown mode. My first observations began on March 14 and continued through March 24. Who knew that one year later, our actions would still be driven by COVID concerns?

But more of us have been vaccinated, restrictions are being lifted, and we’re starting to take more in-person meetings. On March 7 we actually went to church in person and had lunch after with friends. Things to give thanks for. As our friends wrote, reflecting on the time, “We are blessed.” (We were back to Zoom church on March 14 due to a massive snowstorm in our area. Some things don’t change! Except…pre-COVID, church services would have been canceled. Now we switch to Zoom without missing a beat.)

There have been changes in plans. We lost two scheduled getaways to Estes Park: one to COVID in late March and another to two forest fires in early November. The Atlanta kids elected not to come on Thanksgiving. The China kids are still stuck in China. A scheduled speaking engagement in Spring Canyon was canceled.

People struggled. June’s piano teacher nearly succumbed to COVID in November, but, thankfully, she is fine now. One cousin in Texas had a serious bout with COVID including over a week in the hospital, but, thankfully, he is recovering, too. Our son David shares church piano duties with a lady who lost her husband to COVID.

It’s been a tough year – but way tougher for some than for others. We joked about not knowing what day of the week it was, and borrowing a line from a Pearls Before Swine comic strip, took to calling every day “day-day” because they were all the same. But June and I enjoy being together. Our house is in a pleasant location. I walked the dog and visited with neighbors outside. Knee surgery was postponed from May to July, but it got done.

Life and ministry continue, maybe under more favorable circumstances this year than last. But if not, God is still in control…

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls–Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. (Habakkuk 3.17 – 19, NKJV)