I had the best weekend! Despite new COVID restrictions, and rain and all the things that are wrong, I found joy. On Friday, I had wine with my friend Lesley. We teach together, so we figure we have each other's germs. It's a hard, hard time to be a teacher and the staff room is closed which means no venting with other teachers. But I have Lesley. Since we've known each other for 20 years, we can be totally honest and open and that is such a relief.
On Saturday, I spent the whole day with Serene. We walked and talked for hours in Pacific Spirit Park and it was lovely, especially since the rain held off. We had lunch at Burgoo and coffee at Caffe Artigiano. She is my one friend if I have to choose just one according to Dr Henry's new rules. She is my support, my shoulder to cry on, the person who makes me laugh, the person who asks me challenging questions that (annoyingly) make me think for days, my best friend.
On Sunday, we went to church as a family and that was the icing on the cake. I actually love that there is no Sunday school because it means that the whole family sits together. The worship was amazing (even while wearing a mask). Pastor Brett finished the sermon series on Lamentations. I love that my church would choose to preach through such a difficult and yet so timely book of the Bible. We serve a God who remembers, reigns and restores. Could there be a better message for today? I left church on cloud nine. I'm so, so grateful for my church; every Sunday fills me up to face the week ahead.
In the evening, Emmi and I decorated the Christmas tree. It's way too early, but I don't care. Staring at the lights on the tree brings me joy. Next week at church we start a series on Advent, looking forward to Christmas. Yes, it will look different. Yes, I will miss Christmas concerts and parties and markets. But, Christmas will still be full of joy because I will choose joy and because Jesus came.
