I had lunch yesterday with a friend from my past who I haven’t seen in 4 years. We didn’t know it had been that long since we caught up but looking at the calendar, our last get together was February 2020. One month before the world shut down because of COVID.
It seems like in some ways, we’re still picking up the pieces from our community being taken away from us.
I have to admit, that realization has made me a bit frustrated. Irritated at the overreach we were all forced to live under for so long and mad at myself for not reconnecting with people that I enjoyed.
Thankfully, there was grace at the table, and we immediately picked up where we left off. Kids were now out of the house and off to college. Jobs changes had occurred. Family had sadly passed away.
Life happened.
As it always does.
But I was reminded that human connection remains one of the most important things we need to hold onto as life speeds by at 100mph.
When we invest in relationships, friendships, family, each other, we create something that nothing else can give. We get to be seen. We get to be real. Accepted. Valued. Those things that each and every one of us crave. It’s not going to just drop into our laps. We have to get out there and schedule the lunches. Ask for an afternoon coffee. A walk after school or work.
You never know when life will come out of nowhere and hit that pause button. You’ll want strong community that you have invested in waiting for you on the other side.
I’m thankful I had that this week.
