I am tired. I am tired of Zoom. I am tired of wearing a mask. I am tired of not shaking hands with people, hugging friends, leaning in close to share a personal moment, and not feeling free to eat a meal with a friend.
I am over Covid-19. At this writing, the news is trending better. Vaccinations are on the rise, the post-holiday spike seems to be tapering off, and we are all longing for a brighter, better, day.
But in the midst of this, still, I am tired.
Hidden in the book of Psalms is a unique group of songs that all begin with “A song of ascents.” Scholars believe that these Psalms (120-134) were meant to be sung or prayed by pilgrims as they made their way to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple on one of the high holy days. “Ascents” is the right word because you always “went up” to Jerusalem, even if you were going south, because Jerusalem was higher theologically, the place where it was believed that God resided.
As I read Psalm 126 and reflect on the context of the people as they returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, I find that I look forward to experiencing these same emotions and echoing these same words when the pandemic is fully in our rear-view mirror.
I am tired, but still I hope and trust, not only in medical science, but also—and especially—in the Lord, who will restore our fortunes, as He has so many times.