“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.”
— Psalm 23:4 NRSV
The other day Kathy and I headed out to the hardware store. As we got into the parking lot, I realized that I didn’t have my mask with me. But Kathy was prepared: she had a stash in her glove box. Of course, these were all mass produced to fit the heads of children and normal-sized people. There was no way that this was going to work. “That’s OK,” she said, as she pulled off a shoe and took out one of the laces, “I wasn’t going inside anyway!” So I tied Mickey Mouse’s face across mine. My love had my back – or at least the back of my head.
As I picked up the materials and stood in line, I considered all of the face-masks I usually wear. Each one of these has been hand made by someone I know, and many have been made extra-extra-large, just for me. I was struck by how many opportunities we have in these times for simple acts of grace, mercy and love. Wearing a face-mask at this time is an act of love and care for others. We also keep from touching our faces. But it occurs to me that in this time of new disciplines, you who have been making masks are able to touch, again and again, the faces of those who wear your masks. Your handiwork provides comfort to the wearers and a sign of love to all who meet them.
Pastor George
Dear God, we thank you for discipline. We ask that in our regular practices we may find comfort in your guidance and your presence. Allow us to know that as we do what is necessary to protect our families and those we meet, that we may perform these as a gift of love. May we thereby share your comfort in difficult times. This we offer in Jesus’ name. Amen.