We haven't gotten together in a while and my week is slammed, but I find an evening to spend with her. Though I nearly cancel, I am glad I didn't when our evening turns into a refreshing and healing oasis for my tired soul.
Connecting takes time. Time spent cultivating relationships is time away from some other aspect of life. An investment will be required, but investments pay off in the long run.
Connecting with others involves sacrifice. Something will be required of me. It may mean my living room doesn't get vacuumed or I don't get another chapter read or I have to stay up later to finish my Bible study lesson. Often it means I do more listening than talking. If someone invites me over and has made a beautiful dessert I'll have to sacrifice my diet plan (Are you buying that?). In an effort to work around my family, I've met friends for breakfast, giving up valuable "beauty" rest my aging body needs more and more.
The principle applies to group interactions as well. I can't tell you the number of times I've wanted to blow off an event I've been invited to or miss a rehearsal or Bible study for no good reason other than I didn't feel like going. But experience has taught me I may miss out on something if I do. I may miss the chance to get to know someone better, to understand what makes a girl tick, to make a new friend. One of the most meaningful, bonding, God-showing-up experiences I've ever had happened on a night I wanted to skip because I had a headache.
Sacrificing for the sake of relationships is rarely convenient or timely or easy. That's why it's called a sacrifice! But worth it? Absolutely.
What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of connection?
More Steps to Connection:
Understand All Have Insecurities
Vulnerability
Time
Availability
Expectations
Be Yourself
Take a Risk
Assume the Best
4 comments:
Hi friend,
If I'm thinking of the same night you stayed because you had a headache... I'm forever grateful for your sacrifice. (And so are a few others I think...) Thanks for all your sacrifices Tami. I pray God makes it up to you in abundance. :)
You are, indeed, thinking of the same night, Kara. God's blessing and abundance came quickly, didn't it?
Love you, babe.
I'm more often guilty of plowing straight on from #4 to #37 and sacrificing the person.
The more we put this into practice I think the less it will seem like sacrifice. Thank you for realizing the sacrifice was worth it and choosing the harder road. The blessing was a rare, unveiled window into the heart. A treasured time.
A good word, Tami. I was just thinking today about "Seek ye first..." I think that verse includes all relationships. We need to prioritize people over everything else. Not easy. (((Hugs)))
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