I apologize for missing several days in this holiday series – just too much going on. In truth, I have been stewing about an insight. Maybe this little blog will prompt some different thinking and planning for you too.

A little over a week ago we were blessed to attend an evening social event and a luncheon that were part of the annual meeting of an international business organization. Before the event, I knew little about the intricacies of this profession but learned as I listened.

It was not the business that caught my attention, it was the organization’s response to the years they had missed gathering in person due to the pandemic that startled me. Do you know the feeling? It surprised me that everyone else seemed to have recognized a reality that I had missed.

Let me back up a few paces. My father’s celebration of life service was held just a few days before the world shut down; we were able to gather and mourn together. But so much happened afterward.

We missed celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and very single holiday during that shutdown period. And, worse, we were unable to gather and grieve the loss of loved ones. I will never forget watching funerals on the computer screen. It was all so very, very odd and disturbing.

But, the organization in front of me changed that. They decided to honor, in person in 2022, those they had been unable to honor, in person, in 2020 and 2021. They brought them to the stage; gave attention, time and respect to their accomplishments; and cheered and clapped just like they did for the 2022 honorees.

Oh, I have sent cards and texts. I have called and zoomed. But, I have I given the right attention to those I should have lifted up during those years of separation? Have I told them again that I despised being apart during those years?

What did we miss?

Maybe when we see friends and family over the next couple of weeks, we need to recognize the times that we missed since March 2020. Maybe this Thanksgiving as we share our blessings, we need to remind others that we are proud of their graduation, thankful for that new job, or still praying as they are working hard to rebuild a new life.

Let’s make extra cookies, send more cards with notes of love and hug a little longer. We have so much catching up to do.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)