Let Me Know...

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Dear Friends, 
I know that some of us may be feeling that we are experiencing a set-back, but know that we of SpiritCare are still with you, and praying for you.  We are in this journey together.  If you think you are in a position to offer your residents and patients a Zoom worship, let me know.  If someone might need a phone call (and that includes you) let me know that as well.

Also, I have a few hand-sewn masks (not medical) made by church members.  If any of you have a need for these, let me know.  I will be happy to mail them to you.  I've titled this email, "Let me know!"     
 
Feel free to contact me via my cellphone or, if you don't have the number, please call SpiritCare's main phone number: (650) 483-8328.

Scripture: Psalm 84:1-8

How lovely is your dwelling place
Lord of heavenly forces!
My very being longs, even yearns
for the Lord’s courtyards.
My heart and my body
will rejoice out loud to the living God!

Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there
 the swallow has found herself a nest
where she can lay her young beside your altars,
Lord of heavenly forces, my king, my God

Those who live in your house are truly happy;
they praise you constantly. 
Those who put their strength in you are truly happy,
pilgrimage is in their heart

​As they pass through the Baca Valley
they find spring water to drink.  
Also from pools the Lord provides water 
for those who lose their way.  
They pass through outer and inner walls
and see the God of gods.     

Meditation 
I have been finding solace in Psalm 84 this week.  I grew up in the high desert, so Psalms that sing of pilgrimages through the desert resonate with me.  As much as I have come to love the high desert as an adult, there were times when, as a child, I thought I would surely perish from loneliness. I believe that regardless of where we might live or what stage of life we are in, we all know times when we feel we are stranded in a parched land. Perhaps you feel that way. Maybe you are feeling isolated from your family or from friends.  Please know your feelings are valid.  Yet, let us always help one another remember that we are never abandoned. 

The psalmist reminds us that God will always lead us to cool waters.  This Psalm also tells me that we are always in God's temple, whether we are in the desert, or sitting at the dining room table.  Psalm 84 reminds us that God's temple, that is all of life, provides refuge for the sparrow and the swallow.  We know that if they are being provided for, then so are we.  Does not Jesus promise us that in Matthew 6:26 (see below)? 
 
Our life journey is a pilgrimage, and we go together.   Therefore, let us not despair, but rather look for those pools of spring water where we can pause and drink our fill.  God is with us, and it is to God that we are journeying.  This is the paradox of the faithful life: That we are right where we need to be to experience God, and God has been with us all along.    
  
Prayer
I leave you with the first verse of the beautiful Advent hymn, "With Joy Draw Water," written by Anne McKinstry.  
  
"With joy draw water from the spring, salvation's living well.  
The Holy One is in your midst, glad praises sing and tell!"  
   
Holy One, thank you for guiding us.  We know that whatever we need to move through, you are there.  We are not stranded; we are held.  Blessed be and Amen.     
  
Matthew 6:26  
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?   
 
Blessings to you all, and please, let us stay in touch. 
Rev. Sue Ann
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors 

www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com