“What’s a ‘Bubble’?”

What a delight to meet my daughter at the front door with her two friends from D.C. Self-quarantined since March, her inability to visit has been tough. I miss seeing all my children since they live across state lines, but I know most of you can relate. So her arrival for lunch to celebrate my birthday was revitalizing!

During conversation, she and her friends began talking about their “bubble.” I finally stopped her and asked, “What’s a bubble?” I discovered new COVID-19 language. She explained a “bubble” was comprised of those few individuals you select to “do life with” during the pandemic…those alone you allow yourself to physically get together with in each other’s homes. She and her two friends, as single co-workers, formed a “bubble” when COVID hit. Apparently, this select group is also named your “pod” or your “quaranteam.”

After they left, I began thinking about the fact that we all need a “bubble” in times like these. Loneliness can creep in when we are unable to see those we love and care about. We need people we can trust to take their health seriously -distancing themselves in crowds, friends who we can confide in when upheaval and change dominate our lives, shared relationships when we can’t gather as a church… a “family” of sorts when family lives far away.

Since moving here one week before the pandemic, Reen and I have been able to meet few people and make few friends. Thankfully, I realized I unintentionally formed a “bubble” before even knowing what it was. A dear woman friend of thirty years lives about 45 minutes away and another at least 40 minutes in the other direction. After COVID hit, I quickly reached out to each. We’ve met at least monthly to share lunch in local restaurants and talk. They and their husbands have shared dinner in our home as well.

Reen and I are best friends and share everything, but as he rebuilds a real estate business and his time grows more limited, it’s been wonderful to enjoy the friendship and perspective of others I trust.

We’re told in the Proverbs, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” (Proverbs 27:9)

Who’s in your “bubble”? God gave us His Body, the church, as our forever family. Pray and ask Him who you could reach out to today. Someone needs your friendship right now as much as you need theirs!