SOMEONE MAY NEED A WORD

While catching up with friends this week, I realised the importance of keeping in touch.

I have not been the best at keeping in touch with people because I get so nervous about what I’m going to say, especially if It’s been a long time since we last spoke. I get attacked with self-doubt and wonder if I am just getting on people’s nerves, but sometimes I take the risk because, apart from wanting to know how people that I no longer see are doing, I want them to know that I do think about them - they are still important to me. An occasional text or note on a Christmas card is not too intrusive and gives people the option to answer if, and when they want to.

It is sometimes the case that, even though we don’t know it, our seemingly small notes are very important to someone. I have sent occasional texts to someone for a long time with little or no reply, and begun to wonder if I am just annoying them, then eventually, when we meet, they’ve said, ‘thank you so much for keeping in touch, I’m really grateful that you were thinking about me.’ And I find out that they were going through a tough spot and were unable to reply at that time. So, keep in touch with someone, even if you haven’t seen or spoken to them for some time. You don’t know whether that text or note is keeping them going at a difficult time.

An example of this is in all the epistles. (Epistle means letter/note/communication)

The beginning and ending of the epistles are greetings to those who are friends whom are now separated by distance and work. The Epistles are notes of encouragement and reminders of the love and hope they first heard, but also reminders that they have a friend thinking about them and praying for them even though they no longer see each other.

If you are in a difficult time, a small note from a friend can make a big difference to your well being.

Don’t hold a grudge against someone who hasn’t replied, their lives may be too full just now, but the time will come when they appreciate your love.

I would also say, keep in touch with God.

Sometimes when we are really busy or feeling low, we turn in on ourselves we forget to turn to our heavenly Father who is waiting to hear from us. .

We need God every day, and He likes to know we are thinking about Him too. A quick prayer as you put out the washing, or sit down to the computer, or whatever you are doing in the day, keeps you connected to your heavenly Father. Your prayers go up to him like smoke from incense. (Revelations 8:4).

A prayer of thanks for anything, even though it may seem small in relation to what’s going on in the world, is important to God.

Say it in Jesus name, because Jesus connects us with God, He is our mediator, our high priest who is clean enough to sit next to the Father and yet who understands all our feelings. (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:15)

So, even if it’s only a few words and it’s been a while since you last spoke or wrote, keep in touch with each other and with God. It is a blessing in disguise.

This is how I understand my God.

Read for yourself, see what you think.