I am grateful for Zoom

2 Timothy 1:3-7

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

The alarm goes off, my glass is full and so to begins a Zoom gathering across the country of my Preacher Ladies. A supportive and dynamic group of women who are also pastors I’ve been friends with and had as supportive colleagues for nearly 8 years have in the past year and half been gathering for social Zoom talks.  Through the gift of technology, we can check in with each other from our most comfortable chairs, bedrooms, and couches whether we are in Chicago, New Jersey, Northern Illinois, Greensboro, NC and Winter Haven. This technology has been a lifeline as big events, like weddings, were postponed then celebrated. A lifeline when professional challenges arise and we need a sounding board or support to see one another through. And little things, like seeing each other’s children in quick glances during bedtime.

I am grateful that Zoom has allowed me to feel connected amid a unique calling as a pastor, to see one another’s faces, hear their voices, and know I am not alone. I am grateful for the ways such technology minimizes some barriers that could be part of my life, especially during this past year. It is my prayer and hope that such technology has been available to you too.

Prayer

Holy One, who never lets us go. We are so grateful for those people in our lives who listen, who remember us, and take the time to be present with us. We give thanks for the ways Jesus walked with his people, as Rabbi and Emmanuel. It is in those little moments of connection we are sustained for the big moments to be your disciples in word and deed.  God in community, Holy in One, Amen.