Tip of My Iceberg

I’ve been impressed with the way the media has embraced social distancing.

John was flipping through channels to catch some early morning news and came upon ESPN. (With no sports whatsoever they’re making big deals of trades. Sports with words only.) What was notable was how only one person was in the studio. On a show that typically has three men and/or women giving their opinions about current sports, all three were in different locations.

With the news going overboard on how to do life during this pandemic, it was nice to see people making necessary adjustments to approach every day living with an intent to help put an end to this thing.

COVID19 has taken me off my game. As an extrovert who is an inveterate hugger, I’m finding it challenging to show good friends how great it is to see them. Of course, the fact that I’m not seeing good friends because I’m sequestered at home doing my job virtually should free me from any anxiety about my behavior.

I miss the closeness.

I did have to go to the dentist a few days ago–I broke a tooth. I’m grateful for services that remain available even in these challenging times. The office had sent out an email to all patients that they were doing everything possible to keep up with the cleanliness and precautionary procedures to ensure the office was contaminate free.

I was heartened by their efforts but didn’t hesitate to go; I was tired of my tongue made raw from playing with the broken tooth.

I’ve known the office personnel there for years. They are wonderful people, good friends, and when I show up for an appointment, I typically give hugs all around. Anyone choosing to work in an office that focuses on the mouths of people should be considered a saint.

Everyone kept their distance.

As I stared into the masked face of the gal fixing my tooth, I asked if she felt safe. She wore gloves as she worked, but these are precautions the dentist makes all the time.

She didn’t feel safe so much as sad. Sad that this was how folks had to interact.

The coronavirus has pointed out an issue that has been growing for years. We may have physical closeness with others by virtue of crowds, but we are losing our ability to be close relationally with one another.

Social media has encouraged social distancing for quite a while. If everyone manages an image, how we want to be seen, who really gets to know us? Who do we allow in to ask us the hard questions?

If this global outbreak has proven anything it’s that we have not been created for isolation.

What’s fascinating is the number of families that are now forced to be together because there is nowhere else for them to go. Schools and many offices are closed. Familial connectedness is a reality.

So step close or stay away? Invite in or hold back?

God made us for relationships. To be encouraged by others as we seek to uplift those we care about.

How will you rethink connecting with others now?

After all, everybody needs somebody. Always.