So, for the past few months, I have set reminders to try to catch-up with people I don’t regularly see or talk to that often. While I don’t always hit my target of what I aspire to, I have improved in checking in on others more often. Over the past 20 years, I have learned that maintaining a relationship with friends and family takes some effort. Picking up the phone and calling someone seems more of a chore now than it did 30-40 years ago, as people are often ‘too busy’ to talk. But persistence often pays off. If you annoy people enough, they eventually respond. While we may not want to be a nuisance, I think it is fun to check in on those you care about that you don’t get to see very often. Is there anyone in your life who you have thought of and have been meaning to catch up with lately?
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
With the advent of social media, it is often pretty easy to see how things are going in the lives of some who post updates fairly often. In fact, I am sometimes surprised how someone at church, or who I run into randomly will comment on something I posted several weeks or months ago. Some people have a fairly decent memory. In fact, I remember random things and facts about others as well, but not always 100 percent accurately. Its good to know what people are up to, but there is also a difference between knowing about someone and having a meaningful relationship with them. Its not too different than knowing many things about a famous person who you may follow, but if you met them, they wouldn’t recognize you.
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! James 2:19
Is your relationship with God much different from that of other people you may see daily, occasionally, rarely, or never? How often do you share your life with Him or listen to Him for advice? You may or may not always get clear feedback through prayer or your time in His Word, but the more time you spend with Him, the better you understand His heart and hopes for you and others. As you spend more time with God, may you grow in love for Him and others, and may this improve the quality of your relationships as well!
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Yours in Christ,
Clark
