Over the last two weeks, the Gott family battled Covid-19. Thankfully, we are all better and back at work and school. When I became sick, Leah and I quickly explained to the older kids how they would need to keep their distance from me, and that I would be quarantined in our bedroom (as quarantined as you can be in an apartment). One morning, I woke up to see my oldest daughter standing in the doorway to my bedroom. She looked at me for a second and then quietly asked, “Daddy, can we hug now?” Sadly, I answered back, “Sweet girl, I am too sick right now for us to be close, but soon we will hug each other so tight.”
In that moment, I was reminded of how sweet it is to be close to friends and family. I was reminded how God made us to be connected, and my little girl was longing for attention, love, and affection. For all the frustrations that 2020 brought, 2021 has been more difficult for us, but it also has highlighted the importance of family and being connected.
While we were quarantined, I also began thinking about how much I missed my church family. There is nothing to compare to being together worshiping our Father on Sunday mornings. As wonderful as it is to have live streaming, please know that you are missed when you are not physically with your brothers and sisters worshiping. You are missed when you are not present in Bible class. You are missed in Adventure Club.
Covid-19, quarantine, and social distancing have been frustrating. We should continue to follow guidelines that have been put in place. We should continue to look out for those who are struggling. We should continue to pray for those who are sick, and pray that the pandemic will come to an end. However, do not lose sight of the importance of being with those you love. Don’t lose sight of the importance of being with your church family. Don’t lose sight of having your children involved in bible classes and church activities.
Soon enough we can hug each other!
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
I Corinthians 12: 12, 14