I can remember the first time I connected the dots. It isn’t so much the specifics of the moment, rather it was the feeling of elation that “I finally get it”! Since that moment I find that certain obvious facts are not, things easily described can be confusing, and evidence can be confused for a mystery.
There are many examples. In moments of depression it is easy to think that one is unloved flotsam drifting along. One ignores the obvious family members treasuring our company, colleagues finding us helpful, and friends who look forward to seeing us soon. Children seriously look forward to our honest engagement in the life they are getting to know. Yet, even with all the evidence, testimony, and committed action, one easily forgets and begins to drift with a sense of purposelessness aloneness.
I would like to suggest that you and I can do something about this. First remember our story and those in it. Second, be someone who assists others as they ask for help in connecting the dots.
There are many ways to accomplish step two. One example is in planning an idea of letting Divinity take care of its growth.
“Jesus answered, “Tear down this Temple and in three days I'll put it back together.”
They were indignant: “It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to rebuild it in three days?” But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple. Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said.” (John 2.19-22)
Another is to be engaged with people, sensitive to their ups, downs, and struggles. We don’t have to fix anything, just lend a hand were they express a need. The encouragement and strengthening that flows cannot be measured!
Finally, invite God into their lives. Do it by being God’s hands, eyes, and ears. Do it by asking God directly. Do it by connecting the dots.
