Checking-In on Each Other

I come from a relatively small family in terms of aunts/uncles/cousins, so the 5 of us on my dad’s side have a little group text chat that we use from time to time.  Yesterday morning across that group came a text simply asking “How’s everyone making it?”  We shared back and forth what our individual families and job situations were experiencing.  We tried to use a little humor to lighten the stresses that some of us are facing, and we shared our individual “silver linings” that we have seen.  But more than anything that conversation brightened my day, because some one had checked in on me.  It isn’t the first “check-in” like that I have experienced over the last few weeks.  I have heard from several dear friends or family members just asking how we are holding up and sharing what their families are experiencing.  Those check-in conversations are usually the highlight of my day.

(a) currently spends a big part of his day checking-in on what (b) is up to

If anyone tells you they are doing “GREAT!” right now, ask again, they are probably lying.  While I know some individuals and families have been hit much harder than others, I think everyone in America has felt some kind of effect from our current situation.  Some are out of work with unbelievable financial fears, others are working more than ever and are completely exhausted, some are missing their family and friends so badly that it is affecting their mental/emotional health.  There are families trying to juggle “homeschool/e-learning” while still working an 8 hour day and others juggling it while they try to be productive working from home.  Some may be truly enjoying the extra time with their families, and know that they are blessed, but desperately need a few minutes of adult conversation or a quiet place to have a good cry without someone constantly touching you, screaming your name, or begging for their 47^th helping of lunch. 

This has brought change for all of us, uncertainty looms in the air and on the news, routines are different, how we socialize is different, but some things don’t have to change… we don’t have to change caring about each other.  Just because we are practicing social distancing doesn’t mean we have to practice emotional distancing… check-in on each other.  A phone call, a text, a card, a video chat, a Zoom get-together… check-in on each other.  You might need some humor or you might need to cry… check-in on each other.  You might want to try a new recipe, share a meme, or ask for e-learning math help… check-in on each other. 

While most of us can’t be together physically, we can be together emotionally.  Social distancing does not have to mean emotional distancing.  You still have the power to give hope, to lighten the burden, to pray for one another, and to show you care… check-in on each other.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur on another on toward love and good deeds, 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.” Hebrews 10:23-25  ***I think in light of the times, the author of Hebrews would give concession for “meeting together” to include virtual get-togethers, phone calls, group texts, and good ole’ snail mail 😉