2022 – The Year of Connection!

So many of us are grateful to see 2020-21 in the rearview mirror! What challenging years these proved to be. Yet during these years, self-quarantining (whether imposed or made by choice) enabled us to take significant time to think and reflect. It certainly revealed many insights about us. Here are some things we learned:

• We learned that we need people. No matter how introverted you may be, God made us for community.
• We quickly realized family is important. They provide a comfort, support, and encouragement few other associations can offer.
• We learned that making money, climbing the financial ladder, and workaholism is not the apex of all life.
• Many discovered new ways to work and new work to do, realizing their job was not providing the sense of fulfillment they sought.
• We attempted new creative endeavors because we could take the time to be creative and they proved meaningful.
• We worked harder for better health, not only in protecting ourselves from Covid-19 but particularly in creating a healthier lifestyle through cooking and exercise.
• We broke down our resistance to technology and realized it really is our friend. Face-to-face social communication, tele-health, and privacy in our home work space enhanced our lifestyle in many ways.
• Internet shopping for everything from food to Christmas presents, certainly saved time and money decreasing unnecessary, impulse purchases and putting comparison shopping at our fingertips.

It seems in every area we’ve reassessed our priorities. Richard Tedeschi, PhD, a professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, says, “Going through challenging experiences often leads us to think more deeply about our core beliefs-whether it’s our personal relationships or health, the work we do, or how we spend our free time.”

So as we begin 2022, let’s take these lessons, most importantly those that involve the people in our lives, and learn new ways to develop these most significant relationships. Paul describes his very personal, relational outreach in his letter to the Thessalonians, “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness…. Instead, we were like young children among you.

“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well… For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” ( I Thess. 2:4-8,11-12)

My hope in 2022 is that we can together explore new ways to leave a legacy this year, intentionally reaching out to those around us, fulfilling the important role of encourager, comforter, motivator, and friend.

How do we do this? Where do we start? What does that look like? Join me next week as we begin this journey together. Let’s live a life that leaves a legacy of lives touched for Jesus Christ.