You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength
~ Mark 12:30
I began my November article asking: “How are the connections in your life?” I asked because our theme for this year is “Growing Connections.” And, really, what is life but a series of connections. Our families, education, work life, social life, the errands we run, and even commuting … FILLED with connections. Can you think of one single thing that you do that doesn’t involve a connection of some sort? Connections are so important that God said: “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18) and God created a partner for Adam.
Periodically, I do a quick evaluation of my own connections. I ask myself: “How am I doing as a husband, daddy, friend, as a pastor, in my relationship with God, personal improvement, and my overall health?” I usually have some things to celebrate, but I also find areas for improvement. It’s important to do both: celebrate and improve.
Over the next several months, I will focus on a different connection. Since we’re entering the season of Advent, which is the church’s new year, let’s start with our connection with God.
So, how is it? How is your connection – your relationship – with God?
I highlight Mark 12:30, which is part of the Great Commandment. Wow … loving God above all things? Loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength? What a simple command, but, when you actually try to apply it and live it, how expansive it really is – loving God with all that we have and all that we are and all that we do.
Without overthinking it, if you were to tell someone you trust about your connection with God, what would you say? Please … don’t go to judgment and shoulds and shouldn’ts and oughtas. Instead, I’d like you to consider what you can celebrate. What in your relationship with God gives you joy? Where do you feel the presence of God? When do you feel that you are living in a way that strengthens your relationship with God? Then consider where there might be opportunities for improvement. Do you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you? Do you sometimes even feel uncomfortable? That feeling could be the stirring of the Holy Spirit helping you to see differently.
While we are giving thanks and preparing for Christ’s birth, take time to celebrate and give thanks for the relationship you have with God. Give thanks that God loves you – always has … always will … no matter what. Then pick one or two of the things where you would like to improve or grow your connection with God and simply begin taking some steps toward doing it. God will bless the desire of your heart.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 