From the Editor

I recently read an article in the Atlantic magazine about the possible future for the USA during and after the coronavirus runs its course. It was somewhat hopeful, but mostly it predicted that we, as a nation, will have to change the way we do things – economically, politically, and most of all, socially.
There have been many stories and comments on how we need to take a page from The Greatest Generation. We will come through this trying time wiser than we were before. We will have learned that there is more to each of us than we thought, because we have never been tested before.
When my garden fails, I go to the store. Now there are empty shelves and produce bins. When I don’t feel like cooking, I go to a restaurant. Now it’s takeout only and many are cutting days and hours of operation. When I want to go to a movie or shopping, I go. Now theaters and malls are closed. Ballgames and concerts are canceled. Postponements and cancellations continue to ripple across our daily lives with each wave of new coronavirus cases and newly tallied death tolls.
I’ve washed my hands and said more prayers than ever before. And I miss so many things. I miss connecting with my grandkids, seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, talking about gaming and homework. I miss my sister’s visits and chatting with my kids about their day at work.
And I miss church. I miss celebrating God’s gifts with my fellow parishioners. I miss voices raised in praise and thanksgiving. I miss chatting on the steps after the service and going to breakfast with my family.
It’s amazing how the little things have been brought into perspective. How we now focus on what’s really important and what we’ve taken for granted.