A Gift.

I've been thinking a lot about connections again today. The abstract connections of strangers. The timid connections of repairing relationships. The jubilant connections of those who simply feel at peace in their bond. Some days, the connection we have with others shifts.

I was honored to see a beautiful connection between two people today. It was filled with a fragile attempt to connect, a timid bond, a place of shared memories and, most importantly, with love. Sometimes, all it takes is that first move. That swallowing of pride, that deep breath of uncertainty and the scary place of vulnerability can all make for a beautiful connection. This time it did. It was. And to see it, to be a part of it in even a small way....it's indescribable.

Love, truly is, the greatest gift of all.

First Time.

I did something I have never done before.

I wrote a post, published it, and about ten minutes later took it down.

I don't do that.

Ever.

What I write, I post. Because, after all, this is where I let it all fly. Well, to some extent anyway.

So, why did I take it down? For a few reasons, but mostly because of this thing called grace.

There are a lot of different explanations for what grace is and what it means to certain people, but in this instance....grace was the calming insight that some things are best left unpublished. Some things are better off said directly and not in a post that who knows who will read. And even though the message would be here, there are just times when it doesn't belong here.

One thing that's worth taking from that post and putting here is my reminder to myself that faith and fear cannot live harmoniously in the same space. It was a good reminder.

And yes, just for the record, I choose faith.

Get Back Up.

Nevermind the weird graphics and delayed text....it's a great song, despite the fact he says "gonna" a lot.

Connections

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to connections. The type of connections that you just can't seem to pinpoint the origin of. Is it a shared sense of humor? Is it a common interest? Is it a strange ability to mind read?

Or is it divine intervention?

Are we put into people's lives at certain times to fulfill a higher mission? Are they put into ours for the same reason? I tend to think so. I tend to think that there is mystery in the way we connect with others, but not randomness. By that I mean that we may not always know why we suddenly meet someone and feel as if we've known them forever, but there is a reason.

Not surprisingly for those of you who know me, I tend to over-analyze the reason. Most of the time. It's my thing, and for better or worse, I do it. Most of the time.

Sometimes, I just accept the connection that arises and don't question it over and over again. And those are the times I'm certain that the person I have connected with has a special place in my life. Although I don't always understand it.

Friends whom I have had for more than twenty years are a great example of this. The connection is just there. They are those people I can call or email or text after months of not really talking, and the connection is just as strong. The friendship is just natural. Those are the special, cherished connections that I treasure.

And then there are newer friends, new connections and somehow, they are equally as special. Friends who instantly get your sense of humor (and trust me, mine is slightly off due to genetics - and yes, Mom and Dad, I know you're reading this). Instant friends who you say anything to and for some reason, some crazy unknown reason, you can. Why do some people, some connections, come with that instant trust and openness? What is it about those connections?

While I sometimes wonder how those people came to be in my life, I can't help but accept the blessing of the relationship without question. Because it is a blessing.

And there is a need to stay connected, however remotely, when those people suddenly appear.

The Daily Bible

A friend had given me a copy of The Daily Bible by Guideposts. It's the New International Version of the Bible broken down into daily sections with insights and short explanations. Now, I admit that I have a hard time reading through The Bible from Genesis on through, mostly because the names and places and details confuse and confound me. But this book? Well, it makes it easier and enjoyable.

It's The Bible, don't get me wrong, but it has blurbs explaining why the names and places are important and why they were added. That helps me. A lot!

So, I've been reading every morning, faithfully, while I drink my first cup of coffee. I have learned a lot in the last eight days about the history of Abraham, God's covenants with Noah and Hagar, and the mercy that God showed to even the earliest of men. It's fascinating!

If you're searching for a way to get close to God and want to read through the Bible with a little insight and explanation, I highly recommend The Daily Bible. And I am forever grateful for the friend who so graciously brought it to me.