We are built for connection.
Connection can look so many different ways. From friendships, a server at a restaurant, family or your spouse, connection is part of everyday life and we were built to have connection.
As we step into this month of ATL, I am learning that connection is literally EVERYWHERE and ALL THE TIME. Not only with my team and my squad but also with the people on the streets, those at the gym or at coffee shops…heck, even the supermarket. I have struck up conversation with random people just to try to bring a smile to their face and love them how Jesus would love them.
The other day, when we first arrived in Yerevan, I went to the supermarket to buy a big jug of water. I couldn’t read any of the labels so I used that as an excuse to ask a young couple which was which. I smiled and we connected. The man ended up being from the states and I was able to share that I was a missionary here for 1 month. It was a quick and sweet encounter that brought all of us a smile and brought me life…hopefully them too.
Then, just 2 days later, I failed at connection. Well, I didn’t fail connecting but I failed at connecting in a way that reflects Christ. I was with Bre after our workout on Wednesday and needed fruit for my lunch fast. I had seen a fruit stand just a day ago that was close to our hostel, so we headed in that direction. When we walked up, I could tell the woman wasn’t in a good mood. I gave her a smile and quickly found out she didn’t seem to like to smile and she spoke very little English, if any. I asked how much the kiwi’s were and she responded with something that sounded like ‘eighty’…so I picked up 2 and took out 200 drams. When I handed it to her, I asked for my change and she quickly got angry. She said ‘NO! No change!’…I insisted, beginning to get flustered and said, ‘Yes.’ She grabbed the kiwi’s, threw my money at me, and as quickly as she grabbed, I stormed away and left in a huff.
Although I started out well, I didn’t reflect Jesus during that entire encounter and I humbly admit that. I know I’m not perfect, I know I never will be, but that connection, that encounter, could have gone so differently and could have reflected Jesus despite her and my frustration. Instead, I did the exact same thing and simply looked like a tourist.
We are built for connection. But it’s so easy to connect in a way that makes us simply look like ‘tourists’ or a ‘person without Jesus’.
I want my connections to reflect Jesus all the time. I know there is grace for the process and that I will never do it perfectly but I can try.
I encourage you to think about the connections you make daily. What kind of impact can you make for the Kingdom? Do your connections reflect Jesus?
It may seem insignificant to us but it could change someones life.
