Power of People

It's no secret that I'm a bit of an extrovert. I love going and doing and being with people. Sure, I still need some quiet time, but after a while, I have had enough. Needless to say, this quarantine/social distancing thing is killing me a little bit. Don't get me wrong. I love my family. And we have had lots of sweet moments and learned even more about each other than maybe we wanted to know. But ...

Now that Tennessee is starting to open up, I can't help but be a bit excited. The thought of returning to worship services next week is a thrill even if we won't really get the chance to be near others yet. Just to be back in a place where we can sing and pray and praise together. Man! That's the part I've missed the most.
Last weekend, I got to go on a retreat with some co-workers from preschool. We ran away to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for the weekend, and spent HOURS together. Before that, I got to meet with my book club that Monday night, in a socially distanced circle outside, but still where we could see and talk to each other without worrying about a bad internet connection or something like that which a Zoom meeting just can't provide. And I saw others when we wrapped up preschool that Tuesday.
You guys, that's three times in one week that I got to be around people outside of my family. I feel like a whole new person. Why? Because God didn't design us to want to be alone. He designed us to be a support for each other, a family, to want to be around others. And I hope and pray as we continue going into a new normal that we will have a better appreciation for the people around us, try to give them a little more grace, and remember how it was to not get to see anyone but your kids and spouse and maybe a grocery store clerk for weeks on end.
What about you? What have you missed the most? What are you most looking forward to?