It started! We awoke groggy, got dressed and ate breakfast in the usual sleepy daze. Yesterday, we laid out clothes, checked all the supplies, and did something a little different. We checked all the computers in the house. We made sure they were all signed in to where they needed to be.  This morning started like most other firsts: I took pictures; there was a little bit of anxiety; and there was an energy that filled the air.

But then, instead of catching the bus, the kids sat behind the computers in our dining room and their bedroom. They met their teachers and classes and learned what the next few weeks … months will look like. I felt sorry for my kids. They are missing out on many things: hanging out with friends, socializing, and getting to meet people face-to-face. It’s not what I wanted for my kids. Our whole world looks different, and I’m getting tired of it.

At lunch, I sat down and browsed through Facebook. I saw picture after picture of kids by their front door, some holding signs, some wearing their new backpacks. Looking at these photos of smiling faces, I realized that we are all in this together. We are in a different world, and the only thing we can do is stick together and make the most of it.

In the Bible, we read about how the church started after Jesus ascended into heaven. The early church was at a loss of what to do; their leader, the Savior of the world, left them to be with our father in heaven. They were told only to stay in Jerusalem, and Jesus would send the Holy Spirit. Well, imagine what must have gone through their minds during that time. They must have felt lost, without hope, like things were just off, much like what we are facing today. But God gave the people of the New Testament two things – the Holy Spirit and each other. We, too, have these two wonderful gifts to get us through any situation.

God gives us God’s self to be with us wherever we go. God is with us to get us through the difficult parts of life. Plus, God has given us each other. We have a community and each other to lean on. We have people that are here to talk with and share life with. We are given the gift of community. Together, in community, we can do anything. We can do everything.

Toward the end of the school day, my kids were laughing and talking in their classes just like they did last year on the first day of school. I know we’ll get through this. But the only way we can do it is together.

Prayer: Lord of All, you are a God that gives us so much and walks with us when we hit a hard time in life. Continue to be with us. Help us to support each other so we can get through this together. AMEN.

Hebrews 10:24-25 24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."