We asked asked how we were doing and celebrated an exercise or weight goal. We shared healthy tips and talked about the weather. Sometimes we discussed our families and offered to keep others in our thoughts or prayers. And we always asked for the updates for any situation that we had discussed. We talked about politics, not just candidates, but also policy. and we expressed our opinions on what it would take to make the world a better place. Sometimes we exchanged contact information or let others know what social media we were on. Going to the gym was not just for physical exercise but also fellowship and sharing information.
As I thought about this I also realized that I missed the conversations in the back hallway and restroom at church. My church, had 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services with Sunday School in between. In the back hallway across the restrooms and water fountains was a table of snacks and coffee. Between services it could be rather crowded as we were headed to one of the six Sunday school classes, or the choir room, or the deacons to the conference room. The hallway was also a place to stop and greet each other.
Sometimes it was a quick hello, other times it was a more in-depth conversation. I can remember several times when I expected a quick hello that evolved into wrapping our arms around each other and praying or weeping. It seemed like whenever this happened, anyone in the area allowed us this private space and went about what they were dong without interruption.
The women's restroom provided even more times to be together. There are some church members that I only saw in the bathroom. I usually attended the 8:00 a.m. service and Sunday School. So as I was leaving, the 11:00 people were arriving. The restroom was the place to 'fix each other's crown' both literally and figuratively. Adjusting a button, zipper, or snap was commonplace and we were grateful if one of the sisters would point out a fashion mishap. Even in the hallway by the classrooms on in the parking lot, fellowship and often worship took place. Most of the time we didn't even realize how much a quick conversation or a hug meant.
All of this changed in March. The gym reopened in July and I went back in August. Only a few of the old group have returned. When we see each other we give a quick hello or wave but have no in-depth conversation. Our church is still virtual so most of my interactions have been virtually in group settings or on the phone, but that doesn't take the place of the times in the hallway.
Even with a new administration and vaccines, we will not return to those carefree days anytime soon. It will be months, maybe even years before anything resembling normal is attained. So what do we do? We wait. We follow the science. We reach out to others. And above all, we pray. We hang on to hope and find joy in the everyday, ordinary places. And we continue to live, not just exist and wait for things to get better, but actually to try to make a difference to make someone's life a little better. We can get through this! We must get through this!
During this Christmas season, find some joy in your life. It's not always about the big things, the little ones are just as important.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!