When we first moved to Illinois, the internet was my lifeline to Minnesota. Using e-mail, the phone, and conferencing platforms like Zoom, I was able to continue doing major functions of my job as a curriculum specialist for Spring Lake Park Schools. The next year I was able to train 5 teachers as gifted specialists and support several key services in the gifted department. I was blessed both by the technologies available and the willingness of SLP to work with me in such an innovative way.
Now in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, many people are discovering how to use technology to do things we might now otherwise be able to do. Since being quarantined I have taken an online course, joined a daily prayer group, listened to mass, took a jazz class, hung out with my bible study, had happy hours and teas with friends, and had a family get together. A family gathering on Zoom was the perfect way to end our spring break.
While I so appreciate the opportunities Zoom has provided us to connect, I find myself a little apprehensive. It is good that we are using technology to connect and keep things normal. But I hope these technologies don’t distract us from some of the other opportunities we have during this time. Like the opportunity to slow down, to connect with our families, to pray. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. While we are practicing social distancing, we can Zoom and do our work and connect, but I think we also need to use part of this time to be still. In the stillness is where we will discover what truly matters.
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