To Essential Employees...

Dear Friend,

I don't know you, but if you are reading this you have been designated as an essential employee, a life saving employee during this COVID-19 pandemic. This is probably a job you’ve had for a while, but it is possible that you just started it right before all the government leaders decided to do something and we finally started staying at home for social distancing and washing our hands more throughly.

You may be exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. You may be thinking that no one cares about you now that stay at home guidelines are being eased or lifted in some areas. I’m writing today to let you know that you aren’t forgotten and that someone does care. I care. I am thinking about you and praying for you. I am praying for your family and your strength and your hope.

You will probably keep doing the job you have been doing after all this is over, or at least not in the news anymore. You may feel like it is a thankless and heartbreaking job sometimes and I’m can only imagine that it is. So I’m writing to thank you. Thank you for your preparation, for persisting in your education, for spending your time and money and energy to pursue a job that helps people. It matters. You matter. Our society is better because of you. Thank you for wanting to help people even when there is nothing left to do, even when you have no more caring left to give. I hope that is when you cry and release all the sorrow and fear and overwhelm. Know that I am praying for you to have a deep and restful sleep, and to wake up refreshed and able to carry on another day.

Just thinking about you, and all the many other people who serve others in our communities in big and small ways, encourages me. You inspire me to want to do more. Your example reminds me that everything counts. You remind me that it does make a difference. Each small act of goodness adds to the goodness in the world and I want to be part of that today and every day as much as I can. So when you read this I hope you feel surrounded by light and love and peace. I hope that your heart is strengthened to keep going another day. You matter, you make a difference and I’m praying for you with deep gratitude for your service.

With love,

Elizabeth