It was a week ago that the statements started bombarding our email and social media feeds. Apparently, a great many people and companies care a good deal about us and are committed to our health and safety. And though they were at first doing all they could to ensure that their interface with us was as seamless and sterile as possible, ever-tightening federal and local guidelines have all but sequestered us all to our homes. Over the last week, as more and more businesses have been forced to close, events of all sorts cancelled, and social distancing socialized, everyone is streaming!

One thing we are learning right now is what’s really important: faith, family and food (and maybe physical fitness and finances). When all is stripped away, all we have is each other, and all we really need is a few necessities (and, in this global economy, an intact and working infrastructure).

So here we are. Right here, at home. Separate from everyone but our closest relations. The genius of the family shining brightly for all to see. But for some of us, this close and constant proximity may be very uncomfortable and difficult. Though we have only now started to practice social distancing, we are well-rehearsed in the art of distancing ourselves from loved ones. We have hidden behind busy schedules, glowing screens, roles, and routines. We have an opportunity now to reset, to break free, to be, to be more genuinely connected… to God and to each other.

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-21)