3:241 – I Miss Talking To You

#faithbites #faithjourney talking

Today I was running a bit late to pick up the kids from school. When I got there, the principal asked how I was and said he missed talking to me. I told him I missed that as well. Yesterday, I was on a conference call with a friend from work and he too said he missed talking with me and our office to office visits. I missed that and his stash of candy, but that’s another story. Also yesterday, I had a drink with a friend at her house while the kids had a playdate. It was nice just to catch up and fellowship.

Communicating with each other is essential. With COVID and such, we miss many of these daily interactions with people. Just the simple, “How Are You” or “How’s it going?”. A challenge for us is how to we keep these relationship going even if it’s at a distance or through a screen?

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
• Hebrews 10:25 – Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
• 1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Reflection

The world is hard enough with people let alone without. At first, I was thinking that in the Apostles time they didn’t have to deal with things like COVID, but of course, they did. They had leprosy and plagues. People were often quarantined and separated. They didn’t have the joys of facetime, zoom, and skype, we do.

Sure, having a virtual happy hour isn’t the same as sitting next to one another and talking. While not the same, we can still talk with each other and fellowship in new ways. Maybe it’s having a talk, socially distanced mind you, around a campfire. Perhaps, it’s standing on the driveway apart and just talking. Maybe it’s enlarging your social bubble just a bit to have another family in it. Whatever it is, let’s not neglect to meet together with one another.

Our scriptures are clear about walking in the light together. Strengthening one another, helping one another, and fellowship more and more as the end of days come closer. COVID, quarantine, and social distancing won’t last forever. Let’s do our best to keep our relationships strong.

Challenge

Pick one friend that you haven’t talked to much since this COVID era began. Call them up, send them a message, have a zoom call, have a socially distanced drink around the campfire. Whatever it takes, reach one person and keep building your relationships.

Prayer

Father God, your people are deployed into the world. This COVID era is keeping us physically apart. Many of us are missing talking with each other. Help us to find unique ways to talk with our friends and loved ones. It’s hard for sure, but you gave us friends and family to divide those burdens. Don’t let us forget how important fellowship is. We love you and give you all the honor and glory. Amen.