Connection

The coffee mug caught me off guard as I strolled through the store in search of a gift.

Connection.

Something our society is losing at warp speed.

Whether it be social distancing that has turned into an ever-encouraged and widening gap, to differences in views and opinions, human connections are being shattered into almost unrecognizable pieces.

You probably feel it, too. The great disconnect. I, myself, have experienced it more than once.

A feeble attempt at self-protection, in the great disguise of self-preservation, when the truth is the enemy does his best work when we’re trapped in isolation.

And yet we tear and we cut, slicing people right out of our lives.

Because friction is uncomfortable. So is being challenged. And the harsh reality is that those of us holding the scissors are often the ones refusing to take a hard look in the mirror.

Yet the more we push and pull away, the weaker we become. The more narrow-minded and ill-willed. The more bitter and angry, and far less kind and compassionate.

You don’t think like me, we can’t be friends.

You don’t make the same choices as me, you’re toxic.

You don’t agree with me, you have no value.

Surely, you see it. The great attempt to divide. Because the less connected we are, the easier it is to discard one of God’s created as if they hardly matter at all.

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.  He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”  So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.” (Luke 19:1-6)

Jesus connected with people. Not just a half-smile and nod, but with a conversation. He called people by name. He went to their homes. He dined with them. No matter how different they were, Jesus made an attempt. A great attempt. To know them, to love them, and to bless them.

And so what about us, friends? Are we willing to connect with people? To learn their names. To converse with those who look different and think different. To extend them mercy and grace. To give them the time of day.

Because the truth is, you and I have way more in common with Zacchaeus than we do with Jesus. And yet, He calls us by name. He knows us. He is willing to spend time with us, even though we are far from deserving.

Just as we have received, let us give. Our kindness, our love, our compassion, and our best efforts. After all, aren’t those the kind of people with which others desire connection?

Those who genuinely reflect the light of Christ.