One day my wife suggested that I go buy some donuts for our special guests. I took orders from parents and children and hurried off to the donut shop with my list. I ordered a dozen donuts which included one chocolate glazed, two glazed twists, two pink donuts, a maple bar and several others. They were a hit and enjoyed by everyone.
As I reflected on my brief shopping assignment I realized that have missed donuts. I have met with a group of men at our church on Friday morning for many years. Every week we met at 6:00 AM to encourage one another. We shared about our families, our work and challenges we were facing. We studied the Bible together and prayed for each other. And, every week someone brought a box of donuts. Coffee and donuts were an important part of our weekly meeting.
However, we have not met together in person for many months. The Covid-19 pandemic has prevented us from meeting in person. Now, we meet online with Zoom. I’m thankful we do have a way to stay connected. We continue to meet every Friday morning. But, there are no donuts!
Honestly, I’m not sure which I miss more – the men or the donuts. I guess I have to say I miss the men more but I do miss the donuts too. Each week a different man would bring a box of fresh donuts. I loved to be the one who opened the box and got to select my favorite one first. As we passed the box around the table each guy picked a donut that he liked. Sometimes someone else opened the box and selected the one I wanted. But I usually found a different donut that I knew I would enjoy.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted many areas of our lives. Work, school, shopping, travel and so much more has changed. We hope that one day life will get back to normal. But in the meantime we have to adjust and adapt to the new normal. I am looking forward to meeting again with a group of men on Friday morning at our church. And I am looking forward to the donuts, too! Let me encourage you to stay in touch with your friends and family during the pandemic. And don’t lose sight of some of the simple things that we hope to enjoy again soon!
You can read 365 more stories and articles (one for every day of the year) in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus postage. Buy one for yourself and one to give to a friend. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 