When Paul wrote the letters to the New Testament churches, it was never his first choice of communication. “One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Romans 1:10-12) I understand Paul’s frustration. Even in this digital age of instant communication options like text, tweet, email, social media, Skype or Zoom; there is nothing that compares with being with someone and talking with them in personal fellowship.
I have mentioned before that with all of those forms of communication at their fingertips, sociologists have found that Millennials are by far the loneliest generation. Personal interaction and relationships are an important part of a healthy, happy life. That is especially true in the life of a Christian and it isn’t always easy with the restrictions that are in place.
I pray for those in the isolation of a hospital or nursing home room with no relatives or friends allowed to visit. Even with my long-time relationship with God, I don’t know how I would hold up under those conditions. I need personal contact and God has provided it for me. I have three wonderful caregivers who alternate days Monday through Friday to minister to my needs three or four hours each weekday. They are paid by Catholic Charities or the VA. Two of them are sisters in Christ with whom I also fellowship. I have a physical therapist coming in twice a week also thanks to the VA. Early Saturday mornings, two brothers in Christ bring breakfast to my home and we fellowship for about two hours. In addition, my neighbor and other friends sometimes drop by with homemade food or treats. There is no longer the physical contact of a handshake or Christian hug, but the presence of those people mean so much to me.
I still find time to keep in touch with distant friends through those alternate methods and I post my blog twice each week. I pray that I have been able to encourage everyone during this stressful time as much as they encourage me. I know I am blessed, but I still can’t wait until the time when I can leave home to worship with my brothers and sisters and fellowship with them again. That will be a time of great joy just as Paul’s personal visits with the believers of those New Testament churches must have been. Until then, reach out to as many people as you possibly can in every way available to you and draw closer to family members with whom you are staying in place. God bless each and every one of you reading this.