Dear One,
You may already know.
Last Monday, my husband of 30 years moved out, for all the right reasons.
Dan works at Landis Homes Retirement Community. His coming and going from home, in order to provide for others, was putting me at risk. I have lungs that can spontaneously collapse, and earlier this year had a long bout of pneumonia. I’m susceptible.
So to protect me, Dan left me.
Landis Homes graciously provided a guest room while he continues to work, but now we’re apart. More isolated than ever.
When he left, I sent Dan a song (the link is below, under Deeper Dive).
It’s the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 put to music, and it’s gorgeous.
I sent it with the suggestion we listen to it at the start and end of our days. It would be our daily embrace of each other. The way we wrap our arms around the other in protection or comfort.
In recent days I’ve found myself extending this “hug” to the wider world. I sit in the dark of my Sacred Space and, with earbuds in, play this blessing-song at a resounding level. As the music and words swirl around & wash over me, I begin to recite names. Dan is first, but many of you follow suit.
This morning as the music played, I saw you in my minds eye. One of many in a long line walking single file into an Ark. As you passed by, I spoke your name aloud. You passed under the blessing and into the Ark, your place of safe-keeping in worldwide destruction.
In this now daily ritual, I keep hitting replay on the song.
Over & over as the naming commences:
- Dan
- Ryan
- Laura
- Tracey
- Cheryl
- Kristen
- David
- Denise …
When I’ve exhausted my list, I play the song once more, just for me. Hand on heart, or head, until I’m saturated through & through.
At night, the blessing-song wraps ’round me like a blanket pulled to my chin and tucked in tight by One who dearly loves me.
And as I drift off to sleep, I name once more:
- Ruth
- Michele
- Tobias
- Betty
- Chet
- Isaac
- Aung Dee
- Judy …
“The Lord bless you and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]. The Lord turn His face toward you, look upon you and give you peace
[a tranquil heart and life]”. Numbers 6:24-26
Bless you: Our Little Life Words of the Week.
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DEEPER DIVE
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Ponder:
- Consider the words, “Keep, Gracious, Peace, & Tranquil.” Which are you in need of the most?
- Keep is to watch, preserve, hedge about, attend, be careful.
- Gracious is to bend or stoop in kindness.
- Peace is wellness of mind, body & spirit. It’s safety and wholeness.
- Tranquil is to be free from agitation of mind or spirit.
Practice:
- If you are quarantined with other people, begin a daily rhythm of touching one another while reciting this blessing.
- Sit in stillness and let the blessing of God wash over you via the song or spoken word.
Play:
- Our song of the week is: The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter.
- Friend!!! I woke at 4:30 this morning and had a text waiting for me. Apparently yesterday churches from all across Pittsburgh, PA came together to sing a blessing over their city (virtually), using this very blessing. A friend sent it to me, not knowing the contents of this letter. I rushed to my computer to quickly add it here because it’s a must-see! I love when God prompts His people to do similar things – let’s join Him in continuing to send out this blessing!
Pray:
- Join me in listening to the prayer-song while naming any & all who come to mind, placing them under this blessing, laying it gently over and around them like a cloak in the cold.
Friend, the Lord bless you & keep you.