By Jan Miller Penton

Some of us need a little push to move forward. I remember the interview for my first teaching job when the hiring committee mentioned that the position I was applying for would need to be filled with a computer literate person. I gave them a million dollar smile which they took as confirmation that I was that girl. I got the job and learned as I went.
The social distancing directive gave me a shove too, I suppose. I’ve always enjoyed the experience of shopping from the thrill of the hunt to lunching with friends after, but as we all know, things are a little different of late.
With these things in mind I’ve been a little hesitant to embrace online shopping. I guess I was one of the last holdouts, but I can genuinely say that I am now a believer. Ordering from Walmart grocery pickup has totally been a game changer. Now I open that grocery app and have my order in no time flat. It is so convenient and easy that I wonder why I didn’t try it a long time ago. I guess I’m not crazy about change, and if the way I have been doing it, well…forever, isn’t broke then-you know the rest.
Another thing I’ve learned is how to use Venmo. It couldn’t be easier to pay for services, or send money for whatever reason. I was careful to make sure I had the correct recipient by sending a trial of $1 to a cleaning service I had hired.
That is such a good idea, and in this case really paid off because I was off one digit on the account number. I certainly am glad I didn’t wind up paying the wrong person.
Since I’ve been out of town, Venmo makes doing my personal business much easier. To the younger generation all the new little things I’m doing are so basic. My son has mentioned that it might be beneficial for me to take some classes for Apple products, and I’m sure he is correct. Maybe I’ll look into that.
Although I know a lot of people who order almost everything online I still like the brick and mortar shopping experience. After Covid is a thing of the past many things will be a little different, I think.
It was so wonderful to be back at church the past couple of weeks, but I realize that I’m not quite so quick to give a big hug. After church Sunday I met a young man who stretched out his hand for a friendly shake. Of course I took his hand and shook it, but I made sure not to touch my face until I could find some hand sanitizer.
Life has become a little more complicated in some ways, I know, but I’m learning new things. I’m making new friends, and I’m navigating the waters the best way I know how.
As one of my friends often says, “God loves you, and I love you. Keep walking.”