Connection
This morning I awoke with the word ‘connection’ in my heart and on my mind. Connection is key.
I always thought ‘belonging’ was one of the strongest human needs, and it is. But without connection there can be no belonging.
Belonging says, “I am seen”, “I feel part of this group or community.” A sense of belonging comes from a connection with someone. Someone moved over to let us in, or saved us a seat, smiled at us or said, “How are you?” and meant it. Someone noticed when we weren’t there.
In Mark’s gospel 12:29-31 Jesus responds to the question, “Which is the most important commandment?” He replied “To love the Lord our God with all our heart, our being, our mind and our soul. And the second is to love our neighbour in the same way as we love ourselves.”
Who is our neighbour? It can be our literal neighbour over the fence, or a stranger, a friend or a relative who needs a smile, an encouragement, a phone call or a visit. Maybe a loving act of kindness in a practical way, such as a meal or a financial gift. Whatever we feel led to give.
The sweetest sound I heard last week, was from a dear lady, sitting at my side, singing every song at the top of her voice, with the greatest delight and joy. Sometimes not quite hitting the notes, with a wee trill at the end of others, but so sweet was it to see her absolute delight at being back at church, back with the community where she feels she belongs.
I leaned in and said, “You have come home.”
She said “Yes. Absolutely.”
She was so thrilled to be there worshipping God in her faith community. This was her first time to our church for many weeks. She and her husband have not been for some time.
Many of us had noticed their absence and were wondering if they were alright. A tap on the shoulder from a fellow parishioner prompted me to visit them the same day, as just the day before I had been wondering if they were okay and planned to visit them.
The visit confirmed that they were struggling. I saw firsthand how beautiful it is when people respond to an opportunity to help someone in need.
This, as well as some other prompts last week, reminded me to make time to connect with friends not seen for some time, and with another who is struggling to make new friends after moving to a new area.
All connections required to help our ‘neighbours’ know they belong, know they are seen and heard and that someone cares for them.
Then the beautiful phone call I received from an old friend. Such a delight to connect again after some time. Precious.
Practical assistance and meeting basic needs are super helpful and come first in dire cases. However, what has resonated so much more for me this week, is the importance of connection, as the first step to belonging.
At times, our own needs are so great, it is hard to look to another to offer them connection, but there are times when we can be the connector, to offer that love to our ‘neighbour’.
What a joy, honour and privilege it is to do so when we can.
