Sick of Covid. Isolated via mask. When will it end?
Initial responses of fear, shock and lockdown overtaken by gradual reopening. Accompanied by some compliance with wearing masks, distancing, and hopefully good handwashing practices.
But the numbers defy our efforts. The virus remains.
More masks, social distancing. Yes, frequent handwashing from here on out—no matter what.
But the changes from the virus remain. Like virtual church Sunday School and more. Enter the all too convenient barrage of virtual meetings. Initially accepted as temporary to keep germs at bay.
Online Meetings
The online meetings keep us at home, casual, able to multitask as long as the mute button is on.
Yet the new novel way to have a weekly case conference meeting online leaves a loss.
Not that I’m complaining about hearing other nurses discuss plan of care decisions from my home. No, that’s convenient.
Group dynamics of the online meeting straight and to the point, void of humor, face to face contact.
Yes, something is missing. Like the collective banter when you haven’t seen your coworkers. And Michelle making everyone laugh before the start of another week. (Hopefully we all have someone like her in our group). No more herd chaos in the meeting room. Spontaneous laughter gone. All that nonverbal communication like the occasional roll of the eyes, or a too loud sigh, a glance, a smile, a greeting. Each one provides a unique contribution. No more togetherness.
New ways of doing things. Will it ever go back to what was? Or will “what was” prove obsolete?
Church is different too. I miss the smiles camouflaged by masks. I need the greetings and hugs from my fellow believers. Connection.
A void remains. Maybe a touch of loneliness? Isolation? Alone?
Yes, I’m grateful for the convenience technology provides, but nothing compares to vital human contact and all that nonverbal communication of smiles, glances, shrugs or sneers to name a few. And hugs. I’m missing hugs.
We all wear a mask. What is our mask hiding?
Scripture for Today
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 AMPC).
Prayer for Today
Father, we come to you today, sober from the realities of Covid-19. We wonder when will it end? We ask that it would end. That successful treatments would be found. That the death and devastation from this puzzling disease would be eradicated. You created us to be social beings. Yet this pandemic has put a damper on social gatherings of all kinds. Boost each of our immunities to fight this silent virus. We are grateful for technology. Help us to reach beyond it’s limitations to fill any voids left behind. Thank you for your loving kindness and faithfulness to us. Amen.
© 2020 Nanette M. Holloway-All Rights Reserved
