This morning, The Washington Post published an article about the best toys of the year according to Stephanie Oppenheim, a toy tester. Oppenheim said that while puzzles have been making a comeback in recent years, this year has solidified their place, along with games, because “Everyone is very hungry for something that is very low-tech and doesn’t involve a screen. I think, more than ever, it’s just a nice way to spend time together,” she said.
Of course as we move into another holiday in which we aren’t spending time together, perhaps this can serve as another reminder of the things that truly matter in our lives, and it’s not the things. I know that I am going to miss, and have missed, the gathering of the congregation for worship, which is more than just about the worship. It’s also about community and relationship.
In talking with my mom last week, she said how much she misses us and seeing the girls, whom she hasn’t seen since last Christmas. That’s a lot of missed time, especially with Elizabeth, let alone Abigail and Samantha. Talking on the phone or even over zoom or facetime, just isn’t the same, and honestly I think most of us, as Oppenheim said, want to do things that don’t involve a screen.
And so as you think about the coming holiday season, and gifts, let alone what we are thankful for, I encourage you to think of things that connect us. And so perhaps a gift this year might not be something someone can enjoy right away, but instead is an experience you can have together once we are back to being able to socialize. Or it’s a game or a puzzle that can be shared together. Or maybe even something as simple as being in touch more often than we have been.
We have a turkey in the church that is waiting for you to create a feather with the things you are grateful for to be put on it, and you can also reach out to those who are important to give your thanks to them and also learn to have less screen time, and more together time.
What crises always do is to take us out of our ordinary lives, the ordinary routine, and make us remember what life is really about and what is truly important. We have that same opportunity right now, so let’s not let it pass us by. Let’s turn something positive out of what is happening.
And
let me finish by saying that I am grateful for this congregation and all of
you!
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