what kind of distancing?

There are many phrases that have become common during this COVID 19 crisis including one I hear a lot, "social distancing".  I have to be honest, I kind of hate this term.  I believe that we do need to give ourselves 6 (or more) feet between people right now to help slow the spread of germs; but I wish they had used a different phrase.  I prefer the term "physical distancing" rather than social.  Maybe i am nitpicking here, but I think this matters.

Even in Genesis, in the very beginning, we see that "man was not meant to be alone" and this is true throughout the Bible and true in life still today.  People are social creatures.  We crave friendship, love, intimacy and human contact.  So while I agree that we need to keep distance between ourselves physically, I hope we don't avoid socializing (in safe ways) with others.  

Over the past month I have used phone calls, zoom meetings, Facetime, writing letters and safe distance visits to help keep myself feeling connected with others who I love.  I have had friends drop off treats at my house...all in an effort to keep our bonds of love strong during a hard time.

So by all means, keep physical distance from others as a safeguard, but don't cut off social relationships...just find new ways to socialize safely.  Remember that God made you with a desire for human relationships and work, in new and creative ways, to maintain those relationships.  

Let's work to have "social closeness" while we maintain "physical distance."


God bless,
Pastor Scott