As I look back over 2020 and all the changes it’s brought about, one silver lining has been a refocusing on home and family. We’re paying much more attention to what’s important in our lives. And there’s one gathering spot in the home that’s become more important than ever.

The kitchen island was always important before. It’s where we prepped our meals and ate a quick bite before running out the door to whatever our next appointment was.

Today it’s also become our desk - a place for Zoom meetings or online classes. Its height is often perfect for a standing desk, giving us ergonomic options.

But today, it’s also where we bake cookies, create new crafts, and study together. It’s where we have longer breakfasts than we ever have. And where we linger just to talk.

The pandemic has been frightening and has changed all of our lives. The scale of loss and sickness is almost unimaginable. I’m praying that we have an end to it soon and that we can try to get back to some sort of normal.

But one thing I hope we’ll remember is to linger together - that family and friends are so very important. We need to keep a slower pace and to make time to just gather in each other’s company.

Warmly,

Beth