Connection

We seek connections—isn’t that one of the reasons we scroll through social media? We’re relational creatures. We search for groups of like-minded individuals: book groups, nature enthusiasts, music enthusiasts, travel enthusiasts, etc. We seek out these groups virtually and meet with them in person. It’s difficult to get excited about an activity when you’re the only participant. 

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”(John Donne 1624, Meditation XVII) https://www.sedaliacenter.org/no-man-is-an-island/

Words that still resonate and are still quoted four hundred years later—at least the beginning and the end of that paragraph. We are part of a whole…a whole of what? A whole of everything. Each of us is part of the puzzle of life that is needed to create an entire picture. Without you, me, or our neighbor, the picture is incomplete and lesser. (Exodus 4:9-10)

The bell tolls as a call to action to each of us to take our place in this beautiful puzzle of life. It’s all about the connections we make every day.

I just saw the first post about an upcoming color run. Connections. What a great way for me to bring my family and friends together and help raise money for a charity that supports ovarian cancer awareness. Connections. I’ll just have to see who I can get onboard for a weekend away. One step at a time. Now I’ve stepped out, I’m making a commitment, and hopefully, others will join me. 

Sometimes, our connections take a leap of faith; other times, they are as subtle as helping a new team member at work. You are part of this beautiful puzzle of life.