There is nothing quite as reassuring to our souls than to know we are not alone with our world view, thoughts, pain and hurts. And if we can find close connections with our family, friends, neighbours or those who live far from us, then that is a great gift to treasure.
It is one we need more than ever when life gets tough, our focus is fractured, social media “friends” might be anything but, and real life friends can disappear at the drop of a hat. Everyone is so busy and hard pressed that it takes real commitment to stay in touch.
My years of internet life and blogging have been greatly enriched by making close connections and friendships with others. It’s one of the things I miss most when I need to pull back due to health relapses.
I cherish hearing from those who maintain contact with me when I’m out of action and particularly unwell. Because we could all use friends who keep the faith and do not give up on us.
It’s when we’re more adrift than usual due to chronic illness, extra health challenges or excess pressure that we really value the connections we have with others and with God. Our relationship with God especially acts as an anchor for our restless souls and a life raft to cling to when we feel lost and alone.
Making connections
Across the curve
of this sprawling earth,
through different time zones,
straddling deep oceans,
instant communication comes
across the vast continents,
and hope gets birthed.
It comes from close
connection forged across
the pond, home to home,
where hand holds hand,
where hearts beat as one
and prayers ascend
to our online friends
via the Father’s throne.
We discover others
who think like us,
whose souls are in harmony,
united in the bond of humanity,
criss-crossing the world
with ease via our screens,
revealing expressions of love.
This great privilege
enables us to visit
without boundaries of time,
distance and space,
as we bring companionship
to our isolated, lonely friends
and receive a joy and peace
which nothing can transcend.
© joylenton
Wouldn’t it be good if what unites us proves to be stronger than what divides us? I’m praying it will be so as my country begins to live with the outcomes of Brexit. And for the world as a whole so that greater harmony and peace might result.
Maybe if we realised that reaching out with understanding, compassion, grace and love was preferable to distancing ourselves because we cannot all agree on something, maybe we could rediscover the joys of making life enhancing connections with one another. PS: My poetic friend, Jenneth Graser, has written a beautiful prayer for connection here.
Poetry Joy 
Love this so much. You’ve been one of the ones to bless me from across the pond. God surely knows what He’s doing when He weaves His Body together. He strengthens us in Him through each other as we surrender to His leading.
He shows us that what unites us is HIS life and the unique pieces of His heart in us that fit like puzzle pieces into each other. Hugs from across the pond.
Anna, our friendship has been a huge blessing to me too. It’s amazing how God draws souls together in such a wonderful, supportive way. It gives us the opportunity to be the living, breathing Body of Christ for one another. Amen to your words: “He shows us that what unites us is HIS life and the unique pieces of His heart that fit like puzzle pieces into each other.” Love and hugs to you, dear friend! xo 😊❤️
Dear Joy,
I thank God for the gift of connection that you have shared with me so many times! What a precious poem you have written to express that deep heart joy that comes from knowing we are not alone in this journey! I pray that God will continue to lift our fears and bring us His comfort as He opens our eyes to see the with-ness that He has woven as He joins us together in His Spirit! Blessings, love, and hugs to you my dear across-the-pond-heart-friend. xoxo
Dear Bettie, oh me too, my friend, it’s such a precious gift! Especially so when we feel isolated by chronic illness. I’m so thankful for our friendship! Amen to your prayer. I love how you’ve used “with-ness” as well. I can see that word being vital to you this year, and look forward to reading more of your thoughts about it. Blessings, love and hugs to you too across the pond, dear sister of my heart. xoxo 💜
Visiting your blog and reading your inspiring thoughts and poetry is always a blessing. I am grateful that we connected out here in cyber-space. Joy to you, Joy.
Thank you, Deborah, so am I! It’s a joy and inspiration to read your thoughtful posts and see your delightful art work in progress. Blessings of peace to you, my friend. 😊❤