While talking recently with an 18-year-old family member about the current unsettling circumstances, we agreed that she’s never experienced anything like this in her relatively short lifetime, nor have I, in my relatively long lifetime. This is a new one for young and old alike. I remember that was the case exactly during 9/11 when the impossible and the unthinkable were like the situation we find ourselves in now and became reality.
We’ve all seen lists of things needed to get us through this unprecedented time: frequent hand washing, proper sneezing and coughing techniques, social distancing and minimal contact with others. But social scientists tell us that we need continuous contact with each other and with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and beyond. This need to be with others is most intense in times of trouble, uncertainty and stress as we seek support, comfort, encouragement and sometimes just a listening ear by being with others.
Our strong need to be with others makes me think of the many senior adults at Cool Spring. Some of them live in senior care facilities and others live alone. Some of these folks are just lonely and worried, especially now when our social contacts are limited. We need friends to come alongside us, to care about us and to be willing to listen to our worries and fears.
The Bible underscores the importance of companionship and friendship. Several passages in 1 Samuel tell of the strong bond between David and Jonathan. They cared deeply for one another and had each other’s back. Jonathan worked tirelessly to protect and defend David from his enraged father, King Saul. Proverbs 17 tells us that...“A friend loves at all times...” and Proverbs 18 assures us “...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” In John 15, Jesus told his disciples “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
We all need a network of people to be involved in our lives, providing assurance that we’re not alone in our own isolated worlds. An antidote to feelings of isolation can be reaching out to others. As people come to mind, make a contact with them as soon as possible, especially if they are senior adults. Ask them if they are being cared for (and who is doing that), what their needs are and how they are feeling. Share a humorous story, offer them comfort and encouragement, relate a funny incident from your world, offer to help them and . . . share a prayer with them. This is not only a great way to stay connected, but it can and will make a big difference in others’ lives - and yours. Go ahead and make that call right now - you will be so glad you did!
