Pastor David G Ward

Pilgrim Bible Church

361 Pine Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

My grandson scooped up his latest discovery with a huge grin on his face.  I had left my cellphone in a place within his reach!  He walked around the room, carrying on an imaginary conversation.  “Papaw, Papaw, Papaw,” he said.   Hearing my name, I poked my head around the corner to see what was going on.  Rather than scolding him, I decided to have a little fun.  “Hello, this is Papaw.  Is this Mr. Trenten?” His little face lit up with joy!  Suddenly, this phone was no longer a toy.  Someone had answered back.  He was connected!

In this day of ever-expanding technology, we have all kind of ways to connect with people.  Our phones come with unlimited minutes.  Facebook allows us to rediscover friends and acquaintances from years gone by and from every corner of the world.  Video calling allows us to see others face to face.  Apps connect our gaming and other everyday experiences.  Why then, despite the tools within our hands, do so many people feel so disconnected and alone?  

Today, as much as ever, we need to take the time to really connect with people, to step out of the virtual world and into the real world.  We need the warmth of personal encounters where we walk in the moment together.  We need to rediscover the power of personal connection.  We don’t so much need more ‘virtual’ friends as we do real ones.

Take the time to reconnect with others.  Make room in your schedule for a face to face conversation.  Turn off the electronic devices and communicate without distractions.  For most of us, this would be harder than we might think, but the rewards are worth it.  We were wired to thrive on personal connection.

While you’re at it, don’t neglect your personal relationship with God.  He’s been waiting to hear from you too!  One of the reasons Christ came to earth as a human was to rebuild the connection that sin had destroyed.  Though no longer available to us in human form, we can still experience the warmth of His presence and the comfort of His embrace.  He truly is a friend that “sticks closer than a brother.”