"Can you hear me now?? ...Can you hear me now?" We have all most likely said those words on our phone when we are attempting to make a connection with someone on the other end. Lately, I have said those words a lot to my students on Zoom as I attempt to teach school from home. I have been in quarantine with Covid and so lately I have felt stranded on the "island of home". I almost feel like I need to send out SOS signals on social media to let everyone know how it is going. I feels like I have posted and read more social media over the last few weeks than I did the entire year of 2019.
Why is it so important to connect online and be heard, especially lately? I think the isolation is getting to us. We are in uncharted waters. We want to return to normal. We just want someone to listen or to understand or hear about what we have been facing. Maybe we need to express our joy, our grief, our anxiety, our anger or our frustration. We may just need to make contact with another human being. We might need to get or give information that we think is is essential. Sometimes it seems like a matter of life and death. However, no matter how clear the signal and the voice may sound over our device, it is not the same as being together, as being present with another.
With this crisis, isolating has lost its luster. What used to sound fun and really cool, like to attend school or work from home is no longer quite as desirable. So many of my online students seem very lonely and depressed, and many even fearful. Most of us have had enough alone time to last a decade and we honestly would prefer to be together in person. Quite frankly we are all just trying to survive and continue on with life in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Think about it, how long has it been since you have been to an event with a lot of people just for the fun of it. And even if you have been lucky enough to do that, the event was probably smaller than usual, it looked different and you most likely had to wear a mask.
Speaking of looking different, never in my life have I been able to teach school while at home sick before. I don't think any of us could have imagined what has transpired this past 9 months. Don't get me wrong the new technology of zoom has at times been a drink for my socially thirsty soul. Being with people is so essential, we were made for one another. As scripture says in Genesis 2, "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'" There is something about being present with another that soothes the soul. Being quarantined is a great reminder of exactly what our body, mind and soul needs. We need to refresh our souls spiritually just by being present with another and that other is our Saviour.
Take time for Jesus while you may be stuck at home more than you would like to be. Refresh and be encouraged that your still here, and that Jesus is with you, that the pandemic "passed over YOU" so to speak. For many it has not and they are gone. For others they are missing a family member or friend and they are grieved. My Jesus is still in control and we need to connect while "marooned at home". Jesus himself is present and waiting to hear from you. He may want you to listen or to understand how much He is interested in what is happening in your life. He is ready to share in your joy, your grief, or your anxiety. He desires to make contact with you and to comfort you. Sometimes he has information that is essential for us. It may be a matter of life and death for us spiritually.
Essential definitely looks different during a pandemic. Making time to feed and care for our soul is essential too. Suicide and depression is higher than ever. We need help. Have you ever said if you had more time, you would spend more time with the Lord?? I know I have. More than ever this is what we need. I encourage you to stay "marooned" with the one who is right there with you now, The one that is always present. The one that always loves you. He is ready. He is in the waiting room, don't you hear the doorbell ringing? Let him in and connect. Welcome in Lord Jesus.
Christ Culture Community Church is a group of believers in Farmersville/Princeton, TX dedicated to making Jesus known; they are located at 12 Stories Coffee Shop in Downtown Farmersville.
