Do you ever feel isolated or alone?
Whether you are single or married, we live in a time when people are more disconnected than ever.
How can you feel more connected?
The Importance of Connection
We need to connect with other people. In fact, having good, solid relationships reduces stress and improves joy!
Getting together with like-minded people can give you a sense of belonging. Plus, we learn and grow from our relationships with others.
Here’s an interesting example of connection from nature.
In an aspen grove, all of the aspen trees are connected—but underground. While the individual trees stand alone, they are literally “one organism” because their entire root system is intertwined.
Likewise, we need community and connection with others in order to thrive.
Social media is a great way to connect with others, but it may limit a person’s face-to-face interactions and deeper friendships.
On social sites, we may go wide (have a lot of “friends”) but not go deep (have meaningful relationships).
We need relationships of all kinds—family, friends, community, or people we know from church, sports, or hobby groups.
When we choose to intertwine our lives with others we find emotional fulfillment and a heart that serves.
When we build bridges to other people, by connecting in person, and not living just a virtual life, we form connecting links. Friendships are forged, connecting one isolated person to another, and soon community is built.
Getting Connected
We were created to love and be loved. It’s vital to our emotional well-being. But having love in our lives goes beyond romantic love. We can also find fulfillment in the love of family, friends, and others as we learn to build community and connections.
Here are a few ways to build connections in different areas of life:
• Spiritual community with people at church, in a small group, prayer group, missions team, or one-on-one with someone like-minded.
• Social community through a book group, singles group, or coffee with friends.
• Intellectual community with people from work, joining a book group, or other group with people who have shared interests.
• Physical community in joining a sports team, dance class, or workout partner at the gym.
• Neighborhood community can be built be showing up at your local playground, having a neighborhood block party, or mentoring a disadvantaged youth.
• Virtual community is a way to connect with others, to be sure, but make sure it’s not your only connection with other people.
Connecting with God
Of course, the first connection is the most important one—and that’s our relationship with God. Through prayer, we can build a relationship with the One who loves us most.
Essentially, prayer is talking with God. It’s a holy conversation of both speaking and listening.
Your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart.
Tell God how you feel and what you need. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for those you love.
When you don’t know what to say, even the simple prayer of, “Help!” will reach the loving ears of God. He cares about your love life, your friendships, and your whole life.
Ask God to give you the courage to reach out to another person today or to bring positive, caring relationships into your life.
Make it a priority to make meaningful, in-person connections.
You’ll find yourself feeling less lonely and isolated, and more fulfilled and whole.
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RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson
