This is the year of social distancing, no social interaction at all, no schools open, no playground equipment being used, no libraries or museums open, churches offering online messages only, businesses mostly closed unless vital to sustain life, and the world is basically on hold. Medical care is the priority but supplies are stretched and staff is exhausted. A pandemic has isolated everyone across the earth. Huggers can’t hug, a handshake might cause illness or death.
Full protective gear for every person seems to be the only way to protect us. That sounds extreme but what else can be done? Even when the virus calms itself down, will there be anything ‘normal’ about how we get on with our lives? Will we ever feel like we are free to give a welcoming or encouraging hug?
Some positive things are happening. People are becoming fanatical about clean hands and disinfecting hard surfaces. Sneeze or cough into your elbow and always wash your hands – 20 seconds while singing the song of your choice! Why does it take something this serious to get people to take it all seriously, I wonder? The opposite is happening also – wipes and disinfectant and bleach are only a few of the daily staples being hoarded. Stores can’t keep supplies on the shelves. Fear is easier to give into than common sense.
Faith is deepening, though! Congregations cannot gather but that has only caused the people to learn how to use live-streaming or upload videos to worship together. Groups are quickly finding ways to feed children and neighbors are checking up on each other. People are finding ways to support local business and the small business owners are finding ways to offer services differently. God’s love is being shared in deed and not just in word. The Body of Christ is learning to bravely break out of our stagnant attitude and out of our comfort zones. This is all good! There is a resurgence of civility, there is a silence which was overdue, there is a sense of rest from the busy pace of our days.
It is not easy nor is it wanted, but the lack of normalcy might help all of us to return to ‘normal’ with a better attitude and a determination to do better than before – and to hug each other with sincere gratitude that we are in this boat of life together.
