How is that someone you’ve never met can become a friend, a confidant, a blessing in a moment where you were in despair? In my work as an online teacher, I have colleagues I’ve never met, yet they ask about my family, the cattle, my latest hike or favorite treat. And I know they struggle with missing grandkids, juggling new borns with grading, and can cook a mean sweet potato mash. My work in social media, which began as a way to widen my base of readers has become a place filled with friends and spirit as well.

I know that if I showed up on their farm or at their door, I’d find welcome, conversation, a cup of coffee or tea, and genial, delightful company with a healthy dose of humor and good-natured ribbing. It’d be just like meeting up with the dear friends I’ve known for ages to break bread together, hike, or simply to catch up with each other’s lives. There is so much good in this world, so many people doing good in this world. Do good. Be kind. Love, whether you see each other every day or only know each other digitally. Make the world smaller by gathering in instead of pushing away.