Time to Connect--Spoken Word by Lloyd D. Newell

Time to Connect

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

We live in a day of remarkable communication tools. New technologies allow us to connect with people anywhere in the world. Yet the irony is that many of us feel cut off, disconnected from other people, even the people who matter most to us. Too often we use modern conveniences to make our lives busier instead of better; somehow we become more distant from, not closer to, those we love. If we sometimes feel isolated, there is much we can do to bridge the gap. We could take a moment to write a note, send an e-mail, make a phone call, or just stop to chat. We run the risk of becoming strangers in our neighborhoods or even our homes if we don’t seek out opportunities for personal connection. One man noted that in his busy office, it seemed that no one ever stopped to visit. Dozens of co-workers shared a building but didn’t share anything else. Yes, work needs to be done, and time is precious. But when he took just a brief but authentic moment to say hello, to ask, to get an update, he noticed a big difference in the office and in his heart. Perhaps we need to rethink the notion that a moment spent connecting is a waste of time. On the contrary, it can be one of the richest aspects of life. This same principle applies to our relationship with our Maker. No matter how disconnected we may feel from Him, the great Governor of the Universe is never too busy to reconnect with us. Of course, we don’t need modern technologies to communicate with God. Sometimes the best way is through a simple hymn of praise: “Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!”1 1 “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” Hymns, no. 100. Program #4095