Sun going down. Glass high rises reflections of orange, yellow, red, and blue as we drive past. The winding road lined with trees looked softer in the evening light. After days of rain, I went for a drive with my sister to get out of the house. I needed a change in routine. Burnaby Mountain Park was our destination and to get there before sunset was our goal. We listened to music and conversed as the light in the sky warmed to a golden glimmer.
After taking a detour, we finally made it to the top. When I looked around at the view of mountains, ocean, sky, and the twinkling city lights, I exhaled. This unique sunset reminded me of the passing of time. That any suffering or stressful situation will pass. Tall evergreens framed my photos as I tried to capture the moment.
En route, I was hopeful to get there before the sun had vanished. The peach-tinted landscape was my desired distraction. Taking a moment to watch the clouds drift by and the lights on the bridge twinkle helped me relax. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Eagerness is a word for my year. I have so many things I am looking forward to. One of them is an end to the restriction on visiting friends and family due to the coronavirus.
I miss giving hugs to my parents and siblings. My nephew is growing so fast and photos and videos are all I have to witness it. My friends and I chat on the phone often but it doesn’t replace the comfort of their presence.
Spending quality time with my friends and family has changed. Rapid text messages are received. Multiple emojis expressing my sentiments are sent. These are good. It helps me to stay connected. But there is such a strong desire to be in the same room as my loved ones.
Holding hands and sharing hugs, laughs and smiles are such wonderful treasures. Helen Keller said, “Although, the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” Each day, I pray we are getting closer to being together again.
When I was reading the Bible one night, words from the Gospel of Luke jumped off the page at me. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh”(Lk 6:20).
I feel poor in spirit. I am hungry for hope in the future. I weep because I feel sadness. And through it all, Jesus blesses me with his undying friendship. The intimacy I experience in my relationship with Him can’t be restricted. When my heart dips low, I turn to Jesus by spending time in prayer. I only wish he could wrap his arms around me in a big hug. What a blessing it is to continue to receive hugs from my boyfriend and my sister who is also my roommate. It feels like I can never get enough.
Standing on the hill in the wintry cold with my sister, I felt a sense of wonder. I think that each time I feel scared of what is to come, I will try to remember God’s promises. I turned around and saw the moon rising, its edges faded.
“Want to pray a Rosary?”
My sister and I sat in the warm car as the sky darkened. After offering up our intentions, we prayed together our eyes watching the finishing colours of the sunset.
“Hail Mary, full of grace …”
Listening to the familiar prayers, I was amazed at the feeling of peace that grew stronger in me. In this calm mood I found that I could enjoy what I had and be satisfied. When we finished the Rosary, we drove away, and the feeling remained. What I know for certain is that I am cared for and so are you. Our heavenly Father loves us. And love always remains.
Lisa Rumpel’s podcast with a new name, The Will to Thrive: Stories of Resilience, is available on popular streaming services. It is updated once a month on Wednesday.
