Are you finding that life seems so busy?
Do you find alone time to be with the Lord?
How many times do you walk by your neighbor without taking time to interact?
How many times do you walk by a stranger without a simple smile or hello?
It seems like the pace of life has picked up these days, with life getting more back to “normal.”
Life changes so quickly, and sometimes we need a reminder to make the most of every moment. God is present and working even in the simplest of interactions.
*The importance of being connected to God daily.
As I look back on the last year and a half, I see how my life has been abundantly enriched by spending time daily walking and praying with the Lord. Doing this has brought me in closer union with God. I started experiencing His presence and love on a deeper level in my life. Jesus consistently took time daily to commune with God, His Father, too. So should we!
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. –James 4:8 (NLT)
My daily prayer garden
*The importance of being connected to others, the Body of Christ, daily.
**Upon arriving home today, I saw one of my widow neighbors out with her cat. I wanted to get to my ‘To Do’ list for the day, but the thought of going out to talk to her crossed my mind. I shut the garage door and started to get out of my car to head into the house. I decided it was more important to go and talk to her first. I thought she would welcome a conversation with another person to brighten her day. As always happens, it felt good to follow that prompting.
As soon as she saw me, she reached out to give me a big hug. It was the first time that happened. We even held the embrace for a few minutes sharing God’s love. I enjoy talking with her and listening to her. I know I do not take enough time to do it. It was a blessed time as she shared some heartache and sadness she was experiencing. When I talk to her, I can’t help but smile as I take time to put others before “my” life.
**Have you taken the time to reach out to another when you needed some encouragement? Recently I was processing some changes that were happening in my life with two different situations. I saw how God used three people to be instrumental in helping me deal with these changes.
–One was available to let me share, listening with their ears and heart, offering encouragement and thoughts on the situation. Afterward, I felt peace about the situation.
–One was ready to pray for me through the situation, offering inspiration in word, thoughts, and prayer.
–The other recognized a change would be difficult and was available to make the transition easier, walking alongside me.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
This week may you be encouraged to take time daily…
…to commune with God.
…to commune with your neighbor or even a stranger.
…to let others commune with you.
We are all on this journey of life together.
We are companions on this journey of life ~ reach out and make a difference in someone’s life today.
These thoughts this week are "interactive." Would you take a minute to share in the comment section below, please, on any of the following? Thank you in advance. A way you connect with God daily. A way you connected with the Body of Christ, whether a neighbor or stranger. A way a member of the Body of Christ connected with you.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. –Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
A way you connect with God daily.
Christine, I try to go to mass every day. It’s a wonderful way for me to reconnect with God on a daily basis. Receiving the Eucharist feeds me……mind, body and soul. I can’t think of a better way to start my day.
A way you connected with the Body of Christ, whether a neighbor or stranger.
A friend of mine received a cochlear implant in the last year and he’s been struggling with it. I know things react differently with everyone but I was hoping that this procedure was going to help him immediately. During the time that I’ve been assisting him, I’ve come to realize that he’s learning to hear and I’m learning to listen (at least, listen better than before). I truly think that God has opened my heart to doing as much as I can for my friend and listening to him has helped us both.
A way a member of the Body of Christ connected with you.
I never do anything for anyone and look for something in return. I recently went to a surprise anniversary party for a couple who I’ve known for almost 40 years. While their daughter asked that no gifts be brought to the event I couldn’t help myself (I left my gift in the car and gave it to them when everyone was leaving). I gave them something that they had seen in my home probably37 or 38 years ago. When they first saw it they mentioned that they were going to buy that same exact piece at the “show” where we both lived at that time (Charlotte, NC) but when they went back, it was gone (because I had purchased it). We laughed about how I beat them to the punch. I’ve had that particular piece in my home for a long time and when we got the invitation I knew exactly what I was going to give them. They couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it again and they both said that it was “divine intervention” that they were going to enjoy it in their home. They both were very grateful that we’d stayed friends all these years and they both said how truly blessed they both felt to have our connection with each other.
Jeff: Thank you so very much for sharing with this interactive post this week! It sure is a blessing to see the Lord working in your life. I, too, so agree daily mass and the Eucharist is a wonderful way to connect with God daily. With the blessing of working at home since the pandemic, I have been able to take advantage of that gift as well. I have grown so much in my relationship with God during this time. Btw, it was awesome to “connect” with you on Monday which was a ripple effect of a friend mentioning the mass which prompted me to go! Your sharing makes me smile and marvel at God’s goodness! How very special with you gifting that special piece…God is so good!
Thank you for your perspective Christine! This topic is such a struggle for me. I am a true introvert who has had to “pretend” to be an extravert at work for the last 20 years due to somehow winding up in the customer service industry. I will always move away from interacting with others when presented the opportunity. I know this isn’t what God wants for me, I know He wants me to be in community with my brothers and sisters, but that truly exhausts me. Thank you for the reminder that sometimes it can be about others needing time with someone as much as it is about me needing time away from others.
I appreciate your sharing, Jen. I totally understand what you are saying as I, too, am definitely an introvert. It was an “effort” to make the conscious decision to go talk with my neighbor when I would rather have just gone inside. God is so good though how He always seems to bless when I do take the time to engage with others. It is nice to know someone else understands. 🙂 God bless and thanks for faithfully reading.
I’ve been reading “Daily Guideposts” meditations since just after I graduated from college. I still enjoy them! The various different writers speak to me in different ways.
This past Lent, when I was looking for some new Lenten meditations, I came upon pray-as-you-go.org, a website that offers daily meditations throughout the year, as well as Lent, Advent, etc. I really like them! They are audio meditations, so they’ll suggest something for you to think about/meditate on, and then leave time before they go on, so you are kind of “forced” to think about it right then and there, which I really like! 🙂
Also, my next door neighbor is recently widowed, and since I’ve wanted to respect her privacy and not go to her door, I’ve been hoping that I’d see her outside in her yard at some point. Yesterday I did, and we had a nice talk! It always feels good to “just” be able to “be there” for someone!
Thank you so much for participating in this interactive post, Barb! The daily mediations sound perfect for taking time to connect with God. How wonderful that they continue to “speak” to you after all these years. God at work! I love how, in His perfect timing, He ordained the meeting with your neighbor too. He makes me smile! Blessings to you~