In times when we are not able to connect with one another in person, we may feel isolated. Here are some ways we can lovingly interact with people and intentionally reconnect.
Interact in a loving way
Even though we are intentionally physically separating, we can still connect and interact with people safely in a loving way. A smile can be offered from a safe distance, as can kind thoughts toward one another. We can extend the love and grace that God gives to us to others, remembering that each person is one of God’s precious children.
Make an effort to connect
For many of us, times of separation mean not attending the usual activities or social gatherings we are accustomed to in person. If we don’t make an effort to connect with others, we may start to feel isolated. People we know may also feel isolated.
How can we reconnect when we’re not gathering together?
We can still safely reach out via phone calls, texts, emails, and various modes of video connections. We can smile and wave to our neighbors.
This is also a great opportunity to write a note and send a card or handwritten letter to someone.
Pray for one another
We can pray for one another.
Now more than ever we need to connect to one another. When we can’t meet in person, we can do one better. We can meet by heart.
Who do you know in need of a personal connection or social interaction?
Ask God
Pray. Take a moment and ask God,
“Who needs to hear from someone today?
Who would benefit from knowing someone thought of them today?”
Listen
Listen. God wants to speak to us. Often we just need to give Him space to do so.
A person’s name may come to mind. We may sense in our heart that someone needs to hear from us. We might also receive an email or text and learn that a friend’s loved one is alone and could use a card. We might remember a friend or family member who lives alone.
God speaks
God speaks into our hearts, places thoughts in our minds, and communicates with us through people and situations around us. If we are open to realizing God can speak to us in this manner, we are more likely to recognize when He does.
God’s love
Remembering God’s love for us and all His children can place us in a frame of mind that helps us see the grocery store clerk as somebody who could use an encouraging word of thanks. It may also remind us to pray for medical workers, emergency responders, teachers, delivery workers, and other service personnel on the front lines, or families trying to navigate new territory.
Intentional connection
Prayer is intentional connection. I have been involved in groups of people who pray for one another. So often a friend who needed prayer has responded afterward, “I felt your prayers.”
Not sure how to pray? I shared some thoughts in a recent post.
Here are a few words you can use to pray for someone:
“Lord, you know what this person is going through, what they need. I lift their name up to you and ask you to watch over them.”
Feel free to come up with your own words. God hears our prayers.
A smile, a thought, a note, a card, a prayer.
How can you connect with someone today?
A blessing
“‘“The Lord bless you
and
keep you;
the
Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the
Lord turn his face toward you
and
give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Want to have this blessing sung over you? Michael Card sings a beautiful lullaby based on this Scripture.