When the lockdown started we all had to hunt around for ways of communicating with each other. Right from the word go, it was the most natural thing in the world to want to engage with other people.Technology played a massive part in this, with one app that most people had not heard of becoming so popular it became a verb. We ‘zoom’ one another.
That’s interesting to me – as someone whose whole career has been in IT. Why should a relatively unknown app overtake much more established apps, despite having a shaky start with many people at the time saying not to use it?

It seems it’s because as well as the basic version being free, it’s very easy to use. That’s what IT should be – like driving a car without having to know how an engine works.But that’s not what I wanted to write about.What interests me more is how people have related to it. For some, it was business as usual, though a bit more of it.

For many new to working at home, it was a major change. Video calls involved spending a substantial period of time working out how to mute microphones; viewing people’s ceilings and nostrils became the norm.
For others it was a novelty. Video calls seemed quite good fun – checking out other people’s rooms, watching as children/pets interrupt calls.Video conferencing has been a boon during the lockdown. It has enabled us to maintain a level of interaction not widely used before. But the novelty is wearing off. People are becoming tired of it. To spend the best part of a day on conference calls is physically and mentally tiring.Why this is the case is the subject of much debate and research. But probably it has something to do with the fact it’s not natural.
We naturally relate to one another by being in close proximity, being able to see the whole person. Being able to look the other person in the eye, but also being able to carry on a conversation without having to stare at them. Being able to touch, hug or kiss.
We can go without these things for a while – but when it’s too long we feel deprived.
And we develop a longing. 
Now, maybe this is not where you thought this was going, but I actually think that longing could be a good thing.
Remember how when God created the world it was ‘very good’? It was the place made for men and women. Our perfect home. But we lost it. Adam and Eve were banished and could not get back. With the rest that, at some level or other, every human being has a longing to be back in the Garden, whether we recognise it as such or not.

Romans 8:22  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 
So being forced to rely on technology for an extended period of time may make us realise just how important the ‘real’, physical, world is to us. Because as well as being spiritual creatures, made in the image of God, able to commune with God, we are also physical.It is right that we long for each others’ physical presence. It is right that we long to be in ‘the congregation’ listening to the word of God together, singing his praises together, enjoying communion together.Because that is a reminder of our deeper longing. The longing for that Day – not just being in heaven, but being resurrected with new bodies to live in a new heaven and a new earth. And that longing is a reminder that this world is not home.
Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

2 Peter 3:13  But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
And that makes a difference – a huge difference – in how we live.

2 Peter 3:14  Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
Our technology is great, and it is of enormous help in getting us through these times. But it is limited and will never substitute for the reality that we were designed for.And when, if, we ever get back to ‘normal’, that too is still imperfect. But we have a hope, a sure promise of God. And that should be our driving force – enabling us to live lives of patience, holiness and peace.