As we come back from a long season of COVID restrictions, I think about how the virus took such a toll on our five senses and perhaps we realized how much we take them for granted. Jesus was very aware of our senses and blessed them often in his ministry.

Living in Florida we see so much beauty and Jesus knew how precious our sight was because he returned that gift to many during his ministry. And can you imagine being unable to hear? A baby’s first cry, a dying person’s last words. Here, too, Jesus restored the gift of hearing to those where it had failed. I don’t recall Jesus ever restoring the sense of smell to anyone, but it too is a gift we wouldn’t want to be without. Roses and fresh baked cookies are heavenly! Those of us who lost our sense of taste during the virus perhaps realized exactly how important that sense is to us. And being without the sense of touch during the pandemic definitely showed us how important it is to physically connect with those we love.

The bottom line is we have an amazing God who has given us all of our senses to enjoy as we navigate through life. They make us happy, they spill over to others, and together they help us experience the presence of God in our lives, if we choose to notice. Don’t take them for granted!

About the author:
Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.