Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
School is out for the summer!!!! Or nearly. At some schools, children are doing final exams; others have moved to socially distanced graduations. In the mornings, as I drive to St. Martin's, I have seen college and high school athletes working out (physically distanced, of course) on the Crayton Middle School football field. In my own house, I have watched Noah continue to train in the hope that he will get to race, and Lydia begin her own cross country practice.
Distanced learning has had its ups and downs. As a parent a few months ago, I would repeatedly ask my children to put down their "devices" (iPads, phones, computers), and now these devices are their link to teachers, classrooms, friends, and grandparents. It's funny how in just a few short months the messages can change. I now have to ask, "What are you doing with that device?" before asking for it to be put down because my child could very well be in school. It has been an adjustment for everyone.
I have thought and prayed a lot over what the children are missing. I have mourned for both our seniors and our kindergartners. Time with friends, a hug from a favorite teacher or coach are expressions of love that have been lost, and, as Christians, we believe 1st John when it says, "God is love."
While I have mourned, I have also been inspired. Yesterday, I watched a child on an old bicycle ride down the street, fishing pole under one arm, and a tackle box slung over his shoulder. He was off to the neighborhood pond. When I saw this I smiled inwardly and outwardly. It was a pure expression of youth, a pure expression of childhood fun and adventure.
I have mourned things lost this year, but I have also celebrated things found. I pray as our world begins to re-open, as we begin to adjust to "new normals," that some of the good things that we have found will not be lost again to the hustle and bustle.
In Christ,
Mitch+
