I had calls to make and work to get done. The first thing I looked for in the coffee shop was the power. I knew I was going to need to be connected. Connected meant I had power, Wi-Fi, space to lay out my computer and sit, and relative quietness. A nice cup of coffee would take things to the right level if I had all the essentials.
I connected and enjoyed the first sips of my coffee, realising everything from the past was different and new. Gone were the days of making a reservation to meet in person. The clunky days of being connected, which meant I would need a special cord to plug into a hardwired link to a local server, was something nobody in the shop had experienced or even heard stories of.
Today was virtual, new, and convenient. I could get on with living, experiencing the connection with people in London, others on the move, and eventually over a shared meal with old and new friends in a Japanese restaurant that was not planned when I first sat down. Connecting continues to change with time, opening the doors to new ways of sharing the experience with others on the journey.
How I connect and touch the lives of others will continue to change. I read of old times; “Like a will that takes effect when someone dies, the new covenant was put into action at Jesus’ death. His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one, cancelling the old obligations and accompanying sins and summoning the heirs to receive the eternal inheritance that was promised them. He brought together God and his people in this new way.” (Hebrews 9.16, 17) With awareness of yesterday, I created an opportunity to see and experience this moment.
Connections are more than mechanical. They include a complete range of emotions – anticipated, experienced, and responsive. My best gifts are unconditional acceptance, empathy, and compassion expressed through kindness and care. These gifts form a new foundation for building, supporting, and nurturing my relationships.
