"COVID-19, Grief, and Golden Leaves"

Reds, Yellows, Golden leaves fall from tree limbs, ever so delicately, moved by the light wind in a South Carolina fall morning.

Grief. Loss. Yes, so real.

COVID has happened and continues.

People have died.

Lives have changed. Churches have changed. Work has changed.

Leaves shined upon by the bright morning eastern sun.

Light from God, even in the darkest of times. Times of loss, change, major interruptions. Plans diverted.

Family and children are in spin cycle. Masks. Vaccines. Who says so?

Light bursts through the garnet and orange leaves. Light breaks forth. The grass knows that growth will halt for a time and a season. Halt.

Lives stopped. Plane flights cancelled. Loved ones critically ill.

Golden. Yes, Golden. Color as bright as ever possible. Bright.

Hope. Hope is there. In my soul. In your soul. Even as loss is all around.

Hope is Golden. May it shine ever so brightly and golden today for you and me.