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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Chine McDonald

Good morning.

Yesterday was my birthday. A few months ago, when it mistakenly looked like we might be returning to normal life post-pandemic, I thought I would be one of the lucky few people who would not have to experience a lockdown birthday.

I am a big fan of my special day. I love planning celebrations with friends and loved ones. My favourite birthdays have included hiring bars in central London, a lovely 24 hours in Paris with a friend, afternoon tea, lavish brunches and belting out tunes on karaoke machines surrounded by friends. Last year, my birthday included me cooking a curry feast and serving it all up in my dining room packed with friends. It feels strange now to think we were crowded round my dining table, elbow to elbow. So close to each other.

This year was, of course, vastly different. Like the rest of life, the things that we had taken for granted have become the stuff of dreams. What I would give to be able to sit in a crowded room with friends again. Instead, what I did yesterday was rested. I spent much of the day in bed reading a book, doing my best to savour the quietness. Lockdown life for each of us is of course different. Some of us have had to become used to silence, to being alone. Some of us who live in crowded households long for a moment’s peace. As a mum of a toddler, a few hours of me-time was the perfect birthday gift for me this year. The Lenten period is a time for us to carve out space, to take time to refocus, to find peace.

God of peace, we pray that in lockdown life – whether surrounded by loved ones or craving company – we might find moments of peace to reconnect with you.

Amen.