Happy summer to you, dear readers. Does it feel like summer to y’all, not just the weather but in general? For us, it has been a little over three months now of working from home, remote learning with the kids and social distancing. Once the kids transitioned from remote learning to summer break, time just kind of rolled on and the summer season started without the usual fanfare and celebration. It’s time to hit the reset button. Let’s embrace the new season and a new beginning.
Before the long weeks in lockdown, we didn’t realize how many things and how much time we took for granted. Time to play, to read, to rest or to do all kinds of things as a family for which we’d normally think we were too busy. Badminton anyone? It was a reminder to focus on what really matters and to spend our time wisely; how we choose to spend it reveals what’s important to us. I hope we don’t lose sight of that this summer.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of us still hurt—whether physically, emotionally or financially—and many of us understandably feel worried, angry or depressed. In strange and uncertain times like these, it would be easy to withdraw and disconnect, to wish things would just go back to normal. However, we can’t hold life still. This may not be the summer we imagined or looked forward to, but every day is a gift and a chance to choose joy. The stories in this issue are a reminder
of that reality, and we are grateful for the chance to share them with you. We look forward to the day when we can all gather together again as a community, stronger and closer than before.
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Meredith Tredeau
P.S. If you have a story idea, please click here to tell us about it.