
This past week I have had the opportunity to connect with three of my friends in quite different ways and for quite different reasons. I received a text from a friend with some sad news. My immediate response was I just wanted to go to her house and give her a great big hug. But I haven’t figured out a way to give a hug and keep the 6 feet distance. So, I connected with her by phone. We had a great conversation about relationships with others, the power of prayer and trusting that God is in control. We talked for a long time and when it was time to hang up, I reiterated that I just wanted to run over and give her a hug. My friend’s reply was, “You did. I totally felt your hug.” I hung up and said a prayer for my friend.
Later in the week, I gathered with two friends because we hadn’t seen each other since the middle of March. We felt we could do it responsibly if we met in the park where we could sit 6 feet apart and be in the open air. It was great to connect with them and after we got caught up with each other’s family our conversation switched to COVID 19 and the societal shift we are beginning to feel because of it. We felt it was a positive change. This conversation, like my earlier conversation in the week, took a turn towards our faith and the role it plays and trusting that God is in control. As we packed up our chairs and began to say good-bye, I wanted to give them a hug; but I still haven’t figured out how to do that and to follow the social distance guidelines, so we pretended. Even though I did not get a physical hug, I felt “hugged” when I got into my car.
These conversations have taught me a few things. One that we can still connect with people and be impacted without being in physical proximity of each other and that hugs can be given and received in a variety of ways. The contrast of the two gatherings have stuck with me since, although one connection was in pain and the other was in joy, these women’s strong faith and how they lean on God was a common theme from them both. It was inspirational and helpful to me in my own personal faith journey. Although I have known this, it made me mindful, once again, that when a connection is made there is value in it for all involved. God is good all the time.
Creator God help us to continue to find ways to be creative so that we can continue to enrich and nourish our relationships with people from a distance so that we can all remain healthy. We give thanks for the creativity that you have gifted us with “drive by” celebrations and technology that brings us together. Help us to see these connections as blessings and the value in them. These times are challenging, and we give thanks for your relationship with us and the peace that it brings knowing that you will guide us along the way.
Amen
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8
Marty