Wednesday, April 15, 2020
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, New Living Translation) 

                So, our whole family got together over Easter after all; at least the seven adults.

                And no, we didn’t break the rules of social distancing. In fact, none of us left our couches in our respective homes. Of course, I am writing about participating in a video chat that brought us together for an hour of conversation and catch-up. Outside of a transporter of a Star Trek episode, it is the only way to “travel”. Easy on gas and we avoided the busy and annoying highway 401.  

                Ain’t technology grand?  And the miracle was that it only took me, a techno-wimp, a few minutes to work out the technology on our end with a minimum of cuss words and  restarts. There were a few anxious moments but soon we were connected to Whitby, Mississauga, Waterloo and Goderich. Maggie’s Newfie dog and our Aussie, Kramer, made cameos. It isn’t the same, of course, as actually getting together; the silences are a bit more awkward when the conversation lags, but I must say, as our first-time experience with it, it was pretty cool. Can’t wait to try it with the grandkids – if only I can remember and duplicate how I connected this time. Not a given!

                Most of us are missing family, friends and community through the Covid19 pandemic. The virus has shut us away from each other in so many ways. Social distancing may sound like a benefit until it drags on and on.

I fear for churches who are currently closed, and whether some of the small, struggling ones will survive so many weeks shuttered up and financially deprived. If and when they can open, many senior’s may well choose to remain home for an extended period since this disease may linger out there for some time. Who can blame them?               

I just heard a radio commercial which was reflecting that this is a time for reflecting on our love for our loved ones. How true!  I worry about our Maggie who is a nurse in Goderich and one of the thousands of health care workers who are on the front lines. So many families have been affected by this scourge, not the least, those families who have lost loved ones.

There are so many challenges for families during this crisis: homeschooling, working at home for adults, 24-7 co-habiting, buying adequate groceries and supplies, simply keeping one’s sanity under the stress. I have noticed that if you are up for it, there are a lot of ideas and suggestions on-line on how to cope at home during this time. There are help-lines and the like, too. There is no shame in reaching out if or when you need it.

Our video-chat with our adult children was reassuring for Susan and myself. They’re relatively safe and coping well. Some of it is even normal family living e.g. William lost a front baby tooth. Our infant grand-daughters still dressed up in their Easter finery. Pictures were posted. Aaah…

So, please encourage one another. Pray for one another. Support each other, even if you are separated from one another.  Cheer each other up. Reassure each other. Comfort one another. Avoid unnecessary conflicts and arguments. Keep your sense of humour. Be patient with each other. Remember that this virus will eventually pass but your closest relationships need and should last forever.

Whenever we have the opportunity let us work for the good of all. Spread your love around when the occasion arises but begin with your own family. 

Dale