When Connecting isn't the Way you Envisioned

In 2024 I wanted to connect more. I wanted to connect to God, to others and to the purpose the Lord has for my life. I've been very intentional about it this year and so far it's been going well, but it hasn't been quite the way I envisioned it. 

As I bent over the toilet to clean it at my in-law's house, the thought occurred to me that this wasn't what I meant when I came up with the word, "connected". I envisioned going out for coffee with friends, inviting people to the house and being more intentional in relationships.

Scrubbing toilets, making multiple trips which are a two hour round trip drive and spending time listening to the same stories over and over were not quite what I meant when I told the Lord I wanted to be present in others' lives. 

But God reminds me that connecting isn't just about doing the fun things in life. Sometimes when you are being intentional in relationships it may not look glamorous. It may be in quiet ways. Sometimes the connecting takes place by showing others with your actions how much you love them. And at times, it's about loving others even when they are being unpleasant. 

The Lord also reminds me that my number one connection point was with Him. This year I wanted to stay intentional in being connected to the vine. As I stay rooted in Him, He gives me the ability to love through those difficult times and relationships. 

I have been able to connect with Him and with others in the ways I envisioned. It's just some of what I expected hasn't been able to happen yet. 

I've connected to the Lord through my time with Him, reading and praying. I've connected to Him through my times of being out in nature and in painting (a new hobby that I've never tried before).

I've connected to family and friends through times of celebration, listening to my adult children instead of giving advice, going out for coffee with friends, sending cards on a weekly basis, and giving gifts. 

I've connected with my husband through getting out and walking together, praying together, and talking together. 

And I've connected to the purpose and ministry that the Lord has for me by staying open to where He is leading. So far in 2024 that has looked very different than I expected and for this month and season it's in serving family who is struggling.

I envisioned writing and speaking and it's turned into cooking and scrubbing toilets. But despite the unglamorous nature of it, I'm actually feeling content and joyful that I can do this.

And I realize that I'm only six weeks into 2024, and though January 1st feels like a life-time ago, I still have a lot of year to get through and many more opportunities to connect on a daily basis.