“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”-Psalm 62:1 (NRSV)

What do an Internet-connected computer and a propane-fueled firepit have in common? Salvation through maintaining contact with friends and family!

Shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown was even on the horizon, I decided a firepit would add to our backyard ambiance and propane-fueled meant it could be used during burn bans in July and August. I did the research, decided on a highly recommended firepit, and ordered it from Amazon. It was backordered and did not arrive until the end of July – some assembly required. Yes, “some assembly” took several hours, but it was worth it. Now we had a way to invite friends over to socially distance outside around a firepit!!! We have a covered patio and were able to use it throughout the fall and winter. The light and warmth from the firepit were doubled by the warmth of celebrating life with friends.

The computer has also been a lifeline to continuing contact. Zoom allows attendance at church services, the continued meetings of our Haggen coffee group, and our Great Books Discussion Group. We even added a couple of people to our discussion group from distant states! The computer allows frequent contact with our far-flung family, as our sons agreed that one of the two of them would check on us through video chat almost every day. Yes, we missed our planned trip to Glacier National Park and our spring break trip with the grandtwins. But we were able to share our lives with one another in a different and special way.

Friends and family are loving gifts from God, and we have been truly blessed to remain connected throughout this difficult time.

Dear God, we thank you for the blessings of family and friends and the ways that we have been able to connect. Through these connections, we gain glimpses of our “rest in you.” Amen.
-Cathey Frederick