Face to Face

​ Are you as sick of THE virus as I am?  I have had a steady diet of COVID-19 news for so long I can hardly remember three months ago when the hot news was impeachment. I have modified my behavior to include staying home as much as possible, and when I must go out, I wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others, and apply hand sanitizer before I touch anything in my truck.  At the end of my shift at the emergency squad, I removed my shoes before getting into my truck, take a shower immediately upon returning home, and wash my uniform in hot water. Social media memes these days are dedicated to expressing thanks for folks working on the frontlines, complaining about CDC policies or people ignoring state restrictions, and sympathizing with 2020 seniors who are missing many rites of passage.  
 
Technology connecting us has been a life saver. The final 3 sessions of our Bible study were Zoom meetings. I attended a virtual Discipleship seminar yesterday with 5000 others including breakouts Zoom sessions.  Sunday worship includes a live stream service from the Bridge, our church, and the messages streamed by several of our friends in New York.  Frankly, there is something unsatisfying about worshipping in private. This is a radical statement coming from a nerdy introvert. A passage in Hebrews 10 comes to mind. Verses 24 and 25 remind us seeing our brothers and sisters face to face is powerful encouragement. 
 
Join me in praying for healing of those afflicted with COVID-19; for safe reopening of churches, entertainment and personal services; for development of effective antivirals and vaccines against this coronavirus; and for patience for all in this stay-at-home/social distancing world.
 
  Hebrews 10: 24-25  (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.