Links

Something mysterious and magical occurs when you connect with someone that your heart treasures.  It could be family member or a friend.  You may have talked to them recently or it could have been years.  One’s memories tend to hold only the best, so no matter how it ended last time the moment at hand is filled with hope and anticipation. 
 
In the course of traveling, arriving, departing, and then arriving again, I find myself connecting with those close to my heart.  Because my recent trip was extraordinarily long, my exposure to the mystery of relationships has been longer and deeper than normal.  There was little chance for the mundane; things were constantly changing.  There was no opportunity for a routine to settle in, even as the process of coming, going, and transitioning in itself became one.  My sense of awe and appreciation for relationships in themselves grew with each passing day.
 
When I note how “after a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let's go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God.  Let's see how they're doing.’”  (Acts 15.36)  I can sense the underlying reason for the move into constant chaos.  Simply put, Paul cared about those close to his heart.  They had touched him as they connected.  He longed to remind them of the shared values.  He thirsted for the renewed mystery that came with each embrace.  He hopes that the best was unfolding in each life, eagerly wanting to be a part of Hope realization in their lives.
 
We would do well to note the mystery and the importance it plays in our lives.  Our lives are defined by our relationships – first to ourselves, then with others, and ultimately with Divinity.  Living in the absence of these is not living.  I am not sure what it is.  Being intentional in how we stay in touch changes the moment.  Time spent in staying connected is a reflection of our priorities.  The links in our lives reflect our heart’s true values.