How are your relationships going?
We live in a day and age that’s rife with distractions, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for introspection. Oftentimes, if we have even a moment to reflect, we find ourselves habitually reaching for our phones, checking socials, reading articles, or turning on a show. And while these habits aren’t necessarily bad, when every spare moment is consumed with them—even at a stoplight or in the last moments before bed—we lose an opportunity to pause and reflect.
One thing we don’t always take a pulse on is the state of our relationships.
Sometimes the distractions of life can create distance between you and others. Maybe it’s been a long time since you had a heart-to-heart with your spouse, sat down and listened to what your kids have to say, or since you struck up a conversation with a friend.
But more than that, how is your vertical relationship doing? The one between you and God? If we’re disengaged or disconnected from those around us, then we can also be disconnected from God. Distractions may creep into our Bible time, or we find ourselves subconsciously deprioritizing the things of God.
When our relationship with God struggles, our relationships with others follow a similar pattern.
This week, we encourage you to take time to nurture your relationships. This can look like using that spare time to reach out to friends and family. But it can also mean setting aside distractions to be fully present…moments where you put down your phone, turn down the music, look someone in the eye, and completely engage. Set aside time to be with people so they don’t have to compete for your attention or you for theirs. Even if you’re watching a movie or show with your spouse or kids, try not to scroll social media at the same time; just be there in the moment with them.
This goes for your relationship with God, too! Make a concerted effort to remove distractions from your time with Him. Instead of checking your phone at the stoplight, use that time to say a prayer. Same at bedtime! Make space for Him and watch your relationship with your Heavenly Father flourish and thrive.
We make time for what matters to us in life. So let’s not allow distractions to matter more than what matters most. We were made for relationships—with God and with people. So let’s put the first things first and be present with our Creator and the wonderful people in our lives!
