Closing the Gap of Social Distancing

by Kelly Tuinstra

Navigating social interaction during this unusual time has us all a bit stressed. How can I keep myself engaged with others? How can I keep my kids not only occupied, but in touch with others? How do we “hug” our grandparents? Everyone has different needs related to their personal circumstances and personalities, but here are a few things that may help us all stay socially connected while we are loving others by staying six feet away physically.

To my knowledge it seems that many of us are able to continue our regular connections to those who are closest to us, even if it means less physical contact. Conveniently, various means of technology have been created recently that allow families and friends to experience close relationships even across countries. Since opportunities to interact with others outside this small sphere have been temporarily removed, many have been floundering as to how to reconnect. Personally, I have most missed the feeling of Christian unity in the absence of seeing others across the worship center and conversing in the hallways. Naturally, this extends outside the walls of the church building, but we’re not allowed to gather anywhere!

In the past weeks, I have observed and tested out a few practical ways to attempt to close this gap and reduce the burden of separation. In all these ways, our family has been encouraged and challenged to draw closer to our Lord in order to better love those neighbors.

1. How can we maintain Christian hospitality? How about “Zoom Hospitality”? Order delivery or hand deliver a meal to your guests. Then connect via Zoom and eat and fellowship together! As the weather improves, an outdoor patio or fire pit picnic may be a welcome option.

2. How can we remain united in the Spirit? Listening to the sermons and brief midweek Discipleship Group Zoom meetings don’t quite cut it as far as actually connecting with the family of God. We can accomplish these things on our own just about anytime we would desire. How about picking up your phone and actually calling someone to pray with and for them? Why not sing a hymn or two together as well? On a larger scale, go ahead and gather around a fire pit, in camp-style, and have a hymn sing. Instead of turning on a podcast, join a few others in a Zoom Tea. Get a boost from your friends and acquaintances' recent praises and thanksgivings rather than turning to a comfort food and sharing your own in return.

3. How about the children? Many of the kids’ routines have been shaken. On top of that, their extracurricular activities have been canceled. Set up a virtual playdate!  It is often difficult for us to adjust to communicating online, so a basic FaceTime or Skype time with other children may not accomplish much, but sometimes just letting them be silly with their friends is a way for them to express themselves and get their inner feelings and wiggles out. There are definitely more organized ways to allow children to “play” together. Try setting up a scavenger hunt. Send each family involved the list of items. As the Zoom meeting starts, set up parameters and a time limit. After an appropriate amount of time, provide a snack and allow the kids to show their most unique items. Other games that may work across technology include Pictionary, Trivia and other word games. With effort, you may even be able to manage a few board games. Ha! Even Twister would remain a fun, tangled activity. On a less technological note, try setting up a treasure hunt of sorts. Keep it as simple as hiding eggs or other items in an open area for the “guests” to come find. Have them re-hide the items for your family in return. Making it more complicated, feel free to include more of a geocaching type hike. Sweetly conclude with a surprise treat and/or message!

4. For some, the above can easily be applied to the grandparents among us as well. Regular FaceTime, especially with the rapidly growing little ones, will allow them to feel like they are still part of the child’s development. Have the grandparent read a book to the child or simply set the camera on the floor and permit the child to play as usual. This will bring the grandparent into their development and help the child learn to communicate just as if they were present together. While the younger child is playing, the older siblings can pop in and share some things they have been doing as well.

5. Finally, a couple more miscellaneous ideas include, but definitely are not limited to: 

• Set up a Zoom Craft Party. Make progress on your own individual craft while chatting with your friends.

• Mail an anonymous care package with a person’s specific cares and needs in mind.

• Be creative! Use these ideas to come up with your own.

Let’s make the most of our current situation and opportunities. Let us not allow this time to separate us, but rather deepen our relationships. Let’s close the gap of social distancing; bringing our hearts and souls close even while physically apart.

Ephesians 4:1-6 says “...eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace….”