A “ZOOM” Graduation Party

“Distance is just a test of how far love can travel.”  (Unknown)

The ZOOM Graduation Party for our grandson Nick was absolutely amazing!  I couldn’t help but think of that song Bette Midler sang a few years back, “From A Distance.”  I liked the song, but disagreed completely with the theology in the refrain:  

“God is watching us

God is watching us

God is watching us from a distance.”

I reject completely the notion that God is watching us from a distance.  God is with us (Emmanuel) wherever we are and not off somewhere in some distant place keeping an eye on us.  But, theology aside, I thought of the song because the party we attended last night was a virtual one—“From a Distance”—following the guidelines for social distancing, etc. in the present global pandemic.  There will not be a Commencement until perhaps October (though the University did create a virtual Commencement program, naming those, including Nick, who had “finished the course”).

Nick’s extended family, from The Netherlands, Idaho, Arizona, Florida and Maryland, gathered via Zoom, to surprise Nick and to celebrate his achievement.  It was one of those “bring your own beverage and food” parties.  Nick’s parents, Helen and Paul hosted the event and as usual did a tremendous job—helping us link up with ZOOM the day before, and bringing us all together on our various computer screens.  

From a distance we connected, celebrated, talked, laughed, and saw each other face to face, howbeit on the computer screen.  Oh, it wasn’t the same as being physically together, but it was the best we could do under the present circumstances. And it was, for all of us, I think—a unique and very special way of being together again and celebrating Nick—From A Distance.

"Indeed, I find that distance lends perspective and I often write better

of a place when I am some distance from it.  One can be overwhelmed

by the forest as to miss seeing the trees."  (Louis L'Amour)