Failure
is a weighty
thing.
It can drag us
down, make us
tired, make us
question
whether we are
even capable
of reaching
the goal. That
is my
experience
this
weekend.
I had promised
myself and
others that we
would be ready
to reopen Iona
this weekend.
Yet here we
are and
although we
are close, we
are not yet
ready. This
felt like a
heavy burden
to bear. But
as we lay our
burdens at
Jesus’ feet,
things change.
I started to
see things
differently.
This is a very
large
undertaking
and it is a
group effort,
not mine
alone. We have
all been
working
diligently
toward the
reopening goal
and this
teamwork is
not only
encouraging,
but also
essential. I
needed to see
the overall
picture and to
recognize the
progress we
are making. To
stop judging
myself, to
recognize
everyone’s
contributions,
and to find at
least one
thing I could
do now to help
move us toward
the goal.
Thus, as I
picked up an
important
piece of
sanitizing
equipment that
will make a
major
contribution
to a safe
reopening, I
felt
re-energized
and happy - a
contributing
member of the
team again.
When Rev.
Robert met me
in the church
parking lot to
carry the
equipment into
the church for
me, we joked
and laughed, a
very healing
thing. Friends
matter so
much. We are
blessed with
many of them.
My learning
from this
experience?
First to
remember that
we are not
alone. We all
have important
contributions
to make to
life and to
each other.
Even more
importantly,
to remember
that God, not
any of us, is
in charge. Our
job is to use
the gifts God
has given us
to serve Him
and each
other, and to
have faith
that things
will work out
as He chooses.
Another thing
is not to
judge
ourselves too
harshly. That
doesn’t lead
to any
improvements
in the
situation.
Suspend
judgement and
seek one step
forward,
however small.
Once we
recognize that
we are still
contributing
and supporting
the team as we
move toward
the goal, we
are encouraged
to carry on.
Finally,
celebrate the
small
victories. A
journey of a
thousand miles
begins with a
single step.
Step out into
life and enjoy
it with all
its
complexities
and
challenges.
Each step
helps us to
grow and learn
and that is
what life is
all about.
Symptoms?
fever, cough,
difficulty breathing,
pneumonia in both
lungs. How does it
spread?
Through respiratory
droplets spread when
you cough/sneeze;
close personal contact
(e.g. touching or
shaking hands);
touching something
with the virus on it,
then touching your
mouth, nose or eyes
before washing your
hands. Protection of
yourself and others?
Wash your hands often
(after coughing,
sneezing, blowing your
nose,
touching common-use
areas,
such as door handles,
elevator buttons,
etc.)
with soap and water
for at least 20
seconds
(back and front,
special attention to
nail areas);
use hand sanitizer if
soap and water are not
available;
avoid touching your
eyes, nose or mouth
with unwashed hands
avoid close contact
with people who are
sick;
cough or sneeze into
your sleeve instead of
into your hands;
and
stay home to avoid
spreading the illness
to others.
________________________ St Cyprian Announcements
All public
events
are still on hold
until further
notice.
See the latest
COVID-19
updates from
Bishop Andrew
Asbil,
the College of
Bishops and
the diocesan
leadership, here:
_________________________
Iona
Announcements
All public events are still on hold
until further notice. Reaching Out
As before, God is still there for us
throughout these challenging times.
We are encouraging everyone to keep praying
for each other,
and to keep supporting each other.
Practice physical distancing, but please
stay socially connected
by means of a phone call, an email message
or a social media message.
Lenten Book Study in Self-study Format
This season the Lenten book study is based
on
British theologian, N. T. Wright's book:
"Lent for Everyone",
an inspirational guide,
leading us through the Lenten season,
from Ash Wednesday through the week after
Easter.
This
guide
provides a brief
reflection and a prayer for each day
of the season helping us ponder how the
scripture is relevant to our lives.
By the end of the study, we
will have been through the entirety of
Matthew,
along with Psalm readings for each Sunday.
This Lenten devotional will make our journey
through Lent
a period of discovery and growth.
Please contact Rev. Robert Reid for
comments and discussion.
