Thursday, October 15, 2020
The number of Covid cases has spiked again with 953 new cases and 699 new hospitalizations. The graph image almost mitigates any concern we might feel because it shows a little upward bump compared to the terrible hospitalization rate in the spring. The images we see are not like those in the old TV shows like ER or Gray’s Anatomy where we saw facial expressions of concern and care but head to toe disposable garb with masks and plastic shields.
Not even the medical or nursing staff can comfort the afflicted with the warmth of human touch. Humans are not the only beings that need touch. Just like our pets, animals in the wild seek touch. Although some people use touch for evil, touch usually signals safety and trust and calms us down.
The rubber-gloved hand used to protect the caregiver is usually the best we can do for persons who have such an infectious illness. A gentle voice becomes the substitute for one of our most elemental needs: touch.
Prayer for the Day
Touch us with your Spirit, gentle God, and embrace with your care,
For we need the assurance of your Presence in our lives;
Hold us in your protective arms and nurture us with your caress
For we are fearful creatures unsure of a certain future.
Help us to extend our care to others, many we do not know
Through our efforts to build your kingdom of grace and peace.
In the name of the One who embodies our Spirit,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Touch has a memory.
John Keats, English poet (1795–1821)
Through touch, God gave us the power to injure or to heal, to wage war or to wash feet. Let us not forget the gravity of that. Let us not forget the call.
Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019)
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in the word of the Lord I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 130:5–6