Avoiding Connecting

 


While on vacation this week, my husband and I stayed in a hotel in Branson, Missouri. To say it was busy is putting it mildly. One of the things that I absolutely love but don't own is a hot tub. I think as I grow older, the heat feels amazing to my body. Because of this, I was very excited to see a hot tub right next to the pool. Unfortunately, the hot tub was filled to capacity with lots of strangers. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind being around people I don't know; however, being squished beside unfamiliar people in swimsuits is a big no go. I told my husband that we would wait until the next day to visit the bubbly haven. The next day, the hot tub was filled at noon. Later, at midnight, it was still packed. I thought early morning would be perfect. Who sits in a hot tub at 9 am? The answer is way too many people. Every day, I glanced into the pool room only to see a bubbling cauldron of germs. Don't get me started on all the little kids in there with possible potty issues. After a while, it became a joke that there would be no room in the hot tub for us. My huband said he could buy a speedo and scare them off. I declined. As we checked out of the hotel, we glanced in the pool room for old time sake. Guess what we saw. Yes, the hot tub was completely empty for the first time since we checked in. Here's my point. How often do you feel left out- like there's no room for you? You long to connect but the idea of making yourself vulnerable and reaching out to others is almost scary. You avoid being near people. When COVID hit our nation, it didn't just bring a fear of death. It also caused a fear of connection. The anxiety of being near people created a world of mobile shoppers, contactless lives, and digital dating.  It became so much more comfortable to stay at home and watch the world from your phone. Here's the problem with this. There is a deep-placed need inside all of us to truly connect. We were meant to build each other up and encourage one another. We were made to fulfill the desire to serve as Christ served His followers. When we avoid this, something seems missing in our lives. We lose purpose and connection. My challenge to you is to live Hebrew 10:25. not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. We all need encouragement. As the world becomes more fearful, let's conquer fear with connection. 

Have a great week high-heeled warrior!

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