And just like that, summer is coming to an end and for many, a new school year is upon us. Though this timeline is familiar, that is about all that feels the same right now. Classrooms are different. Work environments are different. Daily routines are different. Perhaps we are now beginning to accept these changes as our new normal. And maybe we are still struggling. In all of the things that have changed in the last five months or so, one thing that has remained constant and unchanged is the 365 Picture Today community.
Meetings with family, friends, and book groups have moved to virtual gatherings and it feels a little strange. With our community here at 365 Picture Today, most of us only know one another online through either Facebook or Instagram. Because that is our normal, it feels “right.” We have already learned how to care for and support one another on these virtual platforms.
Do you feel the rhythm of this community? Do you know who posts early in the day? Who posts at the eleventh hour? Do you look at a photo and know whose it is before reading the name or its accompanying description? Do you recognize peoples’ homes, pets, children, or grandchildren? Do you have an idea which prompts will appeal to which people? Do you notice when someone doesn’t post for several days? If you answered yes to these questions, then you know what it means to be a part of this amazing community.
Photography is what drew us together initially, but it is much more than that that keeps us coming back. Some of us have shared this daily photo journey for eight years, welcoming many new friends along the way. We have shared births, deaths, marriages, divorces, babies, grand babies, graduations, and everything in between. Sharing daily glimpses into our everyday lives requires trust. This kind of trust is the hallmark of a strong community.
365 Picture Today is a strong community. We do care deeply about the well-being of one another. Know that your absence is felt when you miss posting for a few days or weeks or even months. Know that we are here to share your struggle and your joys. Know that we are your friends.
As we all do our best to navigate these unfamiliar and scary times, join us in giving thanks for this community and the safety and normalcy that it provides for each of us.
