I know that many of us are struggling with the request to socially distance ourselves from others. I am a hugger! I grew up that way. Hugging and hand shaking was just what we did in church. I learned how to give a proper hug the Christian way and how to give a proper handshake by looking at someone in the eye and giving them a firm handshake. I learned that you don’t shake a woman’s hand the same way you do a man because you will get smacked (thanks Mom). I learned there is a proper way to hug a brother in Christ and a proper way to hug a sister in Christ. All of that being said, I am now told that I have to stay six feet from everyone.
I do think it is important for us to adhere to the directions given to us by our President and our Governor to space ourselves six feet from others. This will be hard for many of us, but I have a few suggestions:
- Learn to give a high five with your feet.
- Learn to shake hands with your elbows.
- Learn to nod to affirm a decision.
- If things get too hard you can always give yourself a hug.
This will be especially difficult for me when I close a service because my favorite thing to say at dismissal is, “hug someone’s neck before you leave and tell them you love them in the Lord.” It just doesn’t sound the same when you tell them to nod or tap someone’s foot and tell them God loves them. I am trying to adapt as many of you are also. But it is really an adjustment.
I do wish that we could practice social distancing on the roads, especially the guy who feels like my spot on the road should be his. Stop honking and back off. I don’t need a hug that bad.
Also, now that we’ve found out that golfing is a necessity, I wish people would stop hitting the ball so close to me. Don’t they know I have to take a bite between each shot?
The truth is that I will do my best to practice social distancing because I don’t want to give this virus a chance to spread. Let’s do what we are told until we are told differently. Let’s each do our part to physically distance ourselves, but we should still be social by sharing the love of Jesus…from a safe distance.
Love and miss you all.
Your hugless Pastor Greg
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. (1 Peter 5:14 NKJV) NOOOOOOOOO!
