Reconnecting: Good for the Soul
I reconnected with an old friend yesterday and over breakfast realized how much I had missed our friendship. Circumstances moved us apart. She changed churches, got into different activities, and my busy ministry schedule took us different directions.
But when we got together, it was like all of the separation evaporated, and we picked up where we left off.
Has that every happened to you?
It was good for the soul to once again share the spiritual highs, and then to pray for each other over the trials we currently face. It was therapeutic to tell each other we still loved each other as sisters, and that our love for each other has not changed. God knew that reconnecting with my friend, and hearing I was still loved by her was exactly what I needed.
The Apostle Paul was the best at reconnecting with old friends, and finding ways to encourage them and tell them he still loved them, even though he was miles away.
To the Romans he said, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” (Romans 1:8)
To the Corinthians he said, “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge…” (1Corinthians 1:4-5)
To the Ephesians Paul said, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16)
To the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you, In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
Paul didn’t forget his friends, even though they didn’t have daily interaction anymore. He still loved them, encouraged them, and prayed for them.
Who is God calling you to reconnect to? What old friend might need your encouragement today? Who needs to know they are still loved by you even though you don’t see them as much anymore? Maybe you just need to catch up on each other’s lives.
Here’s the cool thing that happened through the meeting with my friend. You never know what will transpire when you reconnect. I had been lead to a new Bible study this fall, and she decided to join me at the study. We will once again see each other on a regular basis, and it will be a major blessing to see her, even if it’s just to hug her neck.
Sometimes our most unhappy times are when we are too focused on ourselves. I realize that reconnecting with longtime friends is more joyous than spending time isolated. If that is your story, ask God to bring to mind the friend you need to reach out to. They may need to feel your encouragement. They may need a listening ear, and to know you still care about them. (LBW)