Dear Zoom

The year 2020 was a year of virtual everything—meetings, classes, conferences, church services, baby showers, wedding showers, funerals, performances, and more. I hadn’t done much video chatting before 2020, but all of a sudden, video chatting became the new normal. Google Meet and Zoom became typical places for gathering.

While video chatting is great for connecting with friends and family members who live far away, it can never replace in-person interactions and relationships.

 

Dear Zoom,

I didn’t know you very well before,

But I’ve gotten to know you quite well recently.

 

During a time when I had to stay at home,

You promised to make me feel connected with others—

Whether they lived five miles away or 500 miles away.

 

But instead of feeling connected, I felt isolated.

I felt like a prisoner inside my own home.

And no matter how many times I used you,

I never felt truly connected to anything except a screen.

 

You became a catchphrase to so many people—

“You can always use Zoom,” they told me.

“Zoom interaction is just as good as in-person interaction,” they promised.

But they were wrong—I missed them.

 

I know Zoom can connect people who are far apart,

But face-to-face can’t be replaced.

Zoom is perfect for friends in different states and countries,

But in-person is worth it.

 

Zoom,

I hope you soon become a distant memory,

And I can’t wait to embrace all the people I see.

 

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 ESV)