A way-marker, a line in the sand, a signpost.
This week marks 4 years since the WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic. In one day, we got three pieces of news: The NBA season had been postponed, all flights from Europe were canceled, and Tom Hanks had tested positive for Covid. We’ve been through this long enough that we officially have a Bachelor’s in pandemic life.
Can we graduate yet?
It’s also my birthday week. (HBD to me!) Milestones give us a chance to take a step back and look at where we’ve been and the path we’ve been on.
You may have seen a cairn, a human-made stack of rocks, marking a hiking trail or a summit. Over history and prehistory cairns have had a variety of meanings around the world from marking a source of food to standing as a memorial. By the way, the National Parks Service has a good resource about not building or adding to cairns.
A few years ago, I reflected on the past decade of my life with these words:
I look back on the last decade in awe of what God has done in my life! I gave birth to two healthy children, nursed them both and am watching them turn into fine young men. I completed a Doctoral degree, moved across the country, celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Europe, started running and crossed the finish line at my first marathon.
I also asked for help, admitted I was wrong, looked on the bright side, felt hopeless, sought guidance, took up early morning prayer, listened to trusted voices, and went on another run. I am finding my voice, hitting my stride, and looking forward to the future.
Most of all, I am grateful for the people who have walked with me along the way.
There’s a great line from an 18th century hymn
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’m come
“Ebenezer” is not just the name of a cranky old man, but a Hebrew word for “stone of help.” In Hebrew scriptures (1 Samuel) a king raises an Ebenezer to mark the place God helped the people in battle.
Sometimes I only see the place of help as I look back and take the long view.
Right now, I’m glad I wasn’t sick in bed, shivering with Covid like I was on my birthday last year. I’m grateful for a time of sabbatical last year, my travels, time alone, and time with family. My neighborhood, family, and new dog – did I mention our new dog?! – are all overwhelming blessings I don’t take for granted. And I’ve even been singing karaoke more recently and love the chance to be mediocre at something and have a great time.
How about you? What places can you mark on your road? Comment below – I’d love to hear about your singposts along the way.
Thank you for reading Almost Named Grace with Frances Rosenau. This post is public so feel free to share it.
I love hearing from readers… replies to this email will be sent directly to me. Keep in touch!
Clicking the heart to like this post helps keep this newsletter visible and my own writer’s heart grateful.
~What I’m reading~
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Art of the Commonplace by Wendell Berry
Four years ago, we were flying back from visiting my sister in St. Louis with a 4 year old and a 10 month old. A few weeks prior I told my friend she should not cancel her flight to Korea because this would probably blow over pretty quick (that didn't age well, but they are in Korea now). Since then my world has turned upside down a time or two, I've made it through early motherhood and COVID as an ER doctor with a few battle wounds, all new priorities, and the courage to take the leap out of medicine and to let go of feeling victimized by the healthcare system. And there's a lot more, but it's enough for now.
Goodness, I had completely missed the fact that it was the 4 year anniversary this week. I can't decide if that feels like yesterday or a long time ago. Also, happy birthday! And I am also in awe of your reflection on the previous decade - so much life!