Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Connections


"Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The power that connection holds in our lives was confirmed when the main concern about connection emerged as the fear of disconnection; the fear that something we have done or failed to do, something about who we are or where we come from, has made us unlovable and unworthy of connection." Brene Brown, from her book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

As I read this quote, I thought about the deep connections in my life. Somehow I've managed to stay in touch with all of the women in my bridal party (well, not quite, all but one). It's been over 30 years, but we pick up where we left off whenever we speak. It feels good knowing I've been able to maintain these friendships for so long. Makes me smile!

One of my bridesmaid's birthday is a week from mine, so we always catch up on our birthdays. This time, soon after our conversation, I found out her dad had passed away. Her dad was an Elder (the equivalent of a Pastor) at my old church and married us all those many years ago. He would have been 100 in August. He was 66 when he married us. I had no concept of what 66 looked like back then, but it wasn't what was in from me. Pops, as he was affectionately called, was young in spirit and didn't look a day over 50!

These days, virtual or in-person funerals are a time to catch up with old friends. During the funeral, another bridesmaid texted me, and we started chatting. 

I don't know where I'm going with this post, but I'm grateful for the connections in my life. I'm even more thankful for those that have stood the test of time. That text from bridesmaid #2 spurred me to reach out to bridesmaid #3. During our conversation, she lamented that she'd lost touch with her entire bridal party. I told her it's always possible to reach out and reconnect if you're alive. So that's my encouragement to you also. If you miss an old friend in your life and there was nothing that severed the relationship, reach out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

"We are wired for connection. But the key is that, in any given moment of it, it has to be real." Brené Brown, Author.

Establish real connections with those in your life, and on your end, do your part to nurture the relationship. 

Do everything in love. Corinthians 16:14
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

What are some of the longest and deepest connections in your life?


--Nylse

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13 comments:

  1. This is a good reminder ... so often it is easy to let old relationshps from the past slide.

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  2. You're very lucky to have these long term connections. I've moved around a lot, including to a different country, and it was hard to maintain a link with friends who lived so far away. It requires a lot of work. Since I've been retired, I've been reconnecting with folk and it feels good. In fact a friend I haven't seen since 2019 is coming to stay tomorrow.

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  3. Nylse, we need connections for sure. This was so encouraging for me to have read today.
    I appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

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  4. "It's always possible to reach out and reconnect if you're alive." Such a good point, Nylse. I recently had coffee with a childhood friend I hadn't seen for at least 25 years and met up with another friend from my area that I'd lost touch with over the last decade. Both conversations were so wonderful and life-giving.

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  5. We were created for relationships! Thank you so much for the reminder! This inspired me to reach out to my childhood best friend. Thank you! :)

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  6. Nylse, how beautiful that you are still in touch with almost all of your bridesmaids! I actually got off the phone a little while ago with a friend I met 30 years ago. We've each moved away from each other in distance, but with weekly chats, our hearts have remained close. Connections make us richer, more well-rounded humans.

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  7. This is such an encouraging post, Nylse. I do have a couple of close friends from childhood, one was in my wedding party and I was in hers. We lost touch for a while, but the past few years we've been in touch, and it's been lovely to reconnect. Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #Let'sHaveCoffee.

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  8. Nylse, this is such a good reminder. Connections can always be re-established if we but reach out. This quote is key: "We are wired for connection. But the key is that, in any given moment of it, it has to be real." May we be real, genuine, authentic in our connections with others. May we seek the good of others and not be self-seeking. Blessings to you!

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  9. I like this post, I reconnected with a long time friend when we moved back to the area we used to live in. It was so nice to pick up where we left off as if we'd never been apart across so many miles. And I stay in touch with all my bridesmaids too.

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  10. Thank you for the encouagement to reach out and reconnect. I did that this week with an old friend and it was wonderful. Featuring your post on my Grace & Truth Featured Pinterest Board. I'm so glad you are a poart of our link-up. Maree

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  11. Hi! Just discovered your blog through a link up. I miss doing those and start up soon. I love this post because I recently reconnected with an old best friend after trying to get in touch with them for a few years I finally got a call back. It seems like they were going through some hard times and finally came out of it. Glad I didn't give up on them. Also, your post was a reminder for me to get in touch with other friends I have lost touch with over the pandemic. Great post!

    Cheers,
    Tania
    https://inspiremyfancy.com/

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  12. I love this. Friends are so important and sometimes older friendships are the sweetest!

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  13. I've always envied those who've maintained friendships from childhood. And perhaps you're right, it's never too late until it is. Thank you for sharing this post on the Fine-Whatever link-up.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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