Amelia’s phone buzzed. It was a message from her friend, Becky, letting her know she was running late for their coffee date. Amelia looked forward to their monthly coffee dates and today’s opportunity to try out this new shop.
She was grateful for the extra minutes to get familiar with her new surroundings. The shop had some comfy, stuffed chairs that provided a panoramic view of the coffee shop. Amelia claimed a stuffed chair strategically positioned to spot Becky’s arrival, raised her cup to savor the roasted coffee beans, and let her eyes sample the shop’s offerings.
The seating complemented the shop’s floorplan. In addition to the stuffed chairs, a white counter ran alongside picture windows that overlooked the city street. Tall, metal legged chairs invited occupancy to this counter with a view. Pulled back from the windows were blonde, wood tables with matching chairs to accommodate one to two guests, and if pushed together, a larger group.
Another sip of coffee urged Amelia to move her eyes from the shop’s seating to its morning guests. The guests were as individual as the beverage offerings behind the barista’s counter. There were different generations. There were men and women of different shapes and sizes and all uniquely dressed. Most opted for a jacket or sweater this crisp April morning, but some bravely walked in with short sleeves confident the temperature would rise as the day unfolded.
Amelia noticed a twenty-something, jean-clad, man occupying a table for two. The man’s companion was a laptop he was using with an intensity that hinted this project was important to him.
Amelia continued her scan of the room and noted a table occupied by a pair of ponytailed women wearing black and pastel material with a high spandex content. Amelia was no detective, but assumed these women were enjoying conversation after an early morning exercise class.
Apparently, this coffee shop had enough food goodies to satisfy all generations because a man and woman entered the shop with two toddlers. Amelia observed they moved like a well synchronized team. The woman with the toddlers in tow took possession of a table and the man headed for the barista’s counter to place their beverage and special treat orders.
Amelia’s eyes moved to the occupants of the tall, metal legged chairs at the counter with a view. They were unique individuals with one thing in common—their connection with their phone. It was as if they were wrapped in a cocoon that permitted only the aroma of their favored beverage to enter their private space.
Becky hadn’t arrived yet, but Amelia didn’t notice. What had grabbed her attention was the shop’s seating, the man and the laptop, the women engaged in post-exercise conversation, the family that worked like a synchronized team, and the variety of guests at the counter with a view.
Amelia didn’t know if it was the caffeine’s impact—but felt pulled from a world limited by what could be seen or touched into another world. Her attention was being drawn to a woman seated at the counter with the view. She thought, What’s her name? What’s her favorite coffee choice? Why did she come here today?
Amelia was yanked from this world by the touch of Becky’s hand on her shoulder. Amelia’s attention turned to her friend as quickly as she braked to avoid hitting a squirrel that morning.
There was a world that opened for a moment where Amelia could see beyond what could be seen or touched. It was an invitation for connection.
Connect Like Jesus
Amelia took notice of what was in the coffee shop, but her level of awareness was limited to what could be seen or touched. She was about to step into a deeper level of awareness, but was distracted by Becky’s arrival. What Amelia didn’t experience was connection.
Jesus doesn’t miss connection.
God created humanity to seek connection. A connection that acknowledges their existence. A connection that gives them a sense of belonging. A connection that they matter to God.
Jesus love and compassion is for all His creation, but His connection is one-on-one. The gospels don’t record Jesus healing a crowd. The gospels record the one-on-one connection Jesus had with seekers, the lonely, the lost, and the broken in body or spirit.
Jesus shows us the power of connection.
It was Jesus’ one-on-one connection that brought you to Him. As a child of God, you’re called to connect like Jesus.
What do you see in the church lobby on Sunday?
See like Jesus. Connect. Start with a smile to acknowledge the existence of a soul who is God’s creation. Continue with some words. (Jesus made it as simple as asking a single question.) Give them a sense of belonging.
Remember you’re reaching out with the hands of Jesus and creating space for His Spirit to work.
Jesus calls you to connect. He did with you…
Scripture and The Power of Connection
Jesus’ love for all…
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Jesus connects with a seeker…
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. Luke 19: 5-6
Jesus connects with the lonely and lost…
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4:7
Jesus connects with the broken in body or spirit…
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5: 6
The Power of Connection
What keeps you from connecting like Jesus?
1 thought on “The Power of Connection”
Fear of rejection or being disliked. Disappointment with others who are not consistent or keep their word. Fear of loving people and then they die. Fear of people who become friends and then they move away.