I think we’ve all been through natural disasters in the past that made life strange for a while. Usually, when a hurricane would go through, we’d lose power for a few days, play extra board games, chat with neighbors, and maybe go to someone else’s house who still had power, if only to shower and hang out. When the lights came back on, things went back to normal. But the crisis now is different.
The coronavirus hasn’t taken our power or electricity; it’s taken something far more important: our human connections. When times are hard, sometimes you really just need some hugs from people who love you, to make it through. Or you need a real shoulder to cry on. Or you just need to share a cup of coffee with a long-time friend who knows where you’re coming from. But we can’t do any of those things now, not in the ways we’re used to. We can’t go to friends houses and just talk. We can’t run into folks at church and give them a hug to show that we love them. We rarely see people out in the world these days, and when we do, we keep our distance, fold our arms, and not shake hands. That is the true cost of this pandemic.
It’s easy to overlook how important human connections are to our joy and strength in life. Just to see a friendly face, shake their hand or give them a hug. Without that, the stress and worry inside us stays inside. The dark sad thoughts we would normally share with others, they haunt us like clouds all the time now. So we must truly reach out to each other in new ways. Our spiritual and mental health depend on it.
We are supposed to practice social distancing, but I say no. Physical distancing? Yes, absolutely! But we need to stay social. Staying apart physically doesn’t have to mean staying apart entirely. If you can’t spend time going out, then spend time making phone calls, sending texts, typing e-mails, using Skype and Facetime, or actually mailing hand-written cards like the old days!
Connecting with others is good for us—emotionally, spiritually, our immune system—and there are many ways to deepen our connectedness these days. Write that thank-you note you never got around to. Post good things you’ve found on the church’s Facebook Page, and comment on other things that have been posted. Go through the pictures on your phone, find someone you love, and text one to them.
The church is the body of Christ. We can’t be a body if all the parts are separated from each other. They need to stay in touch. Our church is full of wonderful people who are here for each other, so make use of that. Reach out and let folks know you are here for them. Or call the church if you need to talk to someone. The staff is available for counseling, encouragement, and conversation.
Be healthy, in body and in spirit,
Pastor Stuart