26. Together Apart

26. Together Apart

Still reading, praying, texting, Marco Poloing, Facetiming, talking, scrolling….you?

This week the new reality seems more like just...reality.

We were able to go into the school this week. I was able to see my staff (from six feet away) as they came to get things they needed from their classrooms. It was SO good for my soul. We talked and grieved a little together. We miss the kids, miss each other, miss the building. One of the teachers said, “I miss the smell of school!” and I totally know what she meant.

During this time at school, one of the teachers came into my office to say hello and she said something that I can’t stop thinking about. She said, “You know, when this is all over, and we are able to be together again, don’t you think that will give us a little taste of what Heaven is like? Maybe not exactly, but close?” I’m sure I had a response at the time, but I can’t stop ruminating on the truth of this. Sitting with friends and family at church, getting hugs and smiles from students at school, having a birthday party, going to watch a basketball game..it all seems out of reach and reaching out is exactly what we want to do. Heavenly.

John 14:2-4 

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so,I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

I went to pick up groceries and get some gas last night and saw another teacher in the county on the other side of the pump. After asking about each other and the family, she said, “You know how we are always saying we wish time could slow down or the kids could stay the age they are forever? Well, now they are…” I love this thought, too. We have time to look at them, listen to them, talk to them. Time is frozen and when everything picks back up, well, I have a feeling time will fly like never before. 

Who would have thought three weeks ago that this would be our new reality. God knew. And, I know that there are so many lessons in that . 

Proverbs 27:1 

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

I’ve read a lot during these weeks and one quote from Dave Hollis is sticking with me:

“In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts are worth rushing back to.”

Here’s to thoughts of Heaven, freezing time, and considering what is worth the rush.