I have started using the term “spatial distancing” instead of “social distancing” to remind myself that physical distance doesn’t automatically imply social distance.
Kevin Roose wrote,
"We are on the brink of what Vox’s Ezra Klein calls a “social recession” — an epidemic of loneliness and isolation brought on by the virus. The social recession will hit certain groups especially hard — older people, people with disabilities, people who live alone. But we will all feel isolated to some degree. And as long as it remains unwise to gather in physical spaces, we will need to create virtual spaces that can sustain us."
Virtual spaces like a Bible study group meeting via video conferencing. Or sharing thoughts, pictures, and funny quotes on Facebook, or video clips on Instagram. But there are also virtual spaces that don’t require an internet connection. Like a phone call or a handwritten note. I want to challenge us to use every technology available to us, including the pen, to keep in touch. I suspect that many of us will be having more time than we know what to do with. And Netflix binges and YouTube rabbit holes will get old pretty soon.
Why not embrace a couple of spiritual practices for this long Lenten season?
Every day, write a note to another Vine Street member and tell them something that gives you joy, or the best news you heard that day, or what you love about your favorite song. One card a day.
Every day, call somebody who is part of the Vine Street community, and just ask them how things are going - who knows, you may end up making plans for a walk on the Greenway or at one of our beautiful parks (six feet apart, yet still enjoying a shared experience). One call a day.
And one more suggestion. This may feel a little weird at first. Have you considered hosting a virtual dinner party? Or a virtual lunch? You call folks you’d love to have dinner with, you set a date and time, and on the big night, you sit at your table with your meal and they sit at theirs, and you talk via FaceTime or by speaker phone. It’s not the same as sitting at the table with friends, but it’s fun, especially when you start playing trivia or charades.
I look forward to being in worship with you on Sunday morning at 10. I will miss seeing you, hugging your neck, and holding your hand, but I trust that the Spirit of Christ will continue to weave us together in the body of Christ.