Today in my English 1 honors class, I took the time to check in with my 9th graders. I had each one of them share their weekend highlights and prayer requests. Many of them since today counted as day 6 of online instruction, the novelty of being able to have school at home wore off.
No matter how seamless the online program was, there is something in the human heart that cries out for connection. Even though social distancing during this time is a high priority, there is something in our spirits that desire to connect.
After all of my students shared about their weekend and needs, we had a conversation about the Holocaust and how Jews and other persecuted people in this time of history had to be in hiding and fighting for the lives for years.
I split up my students into groups, and I had them discuss about the idea of perspective.
This is the time to not live in fear but choose faith.
Now is the time to choose community over competition.
Now is the time to give instead of hoard.
This is the time to disconnect from technology and connect with our loved ones in more meaningful and intentional ways.
Choose connection and community this week.