We’ve been digging deep into the topic of connection this month. How we weren’t made to be alone, the loneliness epidemic we’re facing, seeing others with compassion, being an inviter, and asking good questions.
We’re all in different places relationally. We all are experiencing different levels of relational contentment. We all have different invitations from God as we move forward relationally.
This month our questions will be centered around reflecting on our current relational landscape and considering where we might be headed. Let’s reflect on where we are so we can move forward with God, in small ways even, toward connection and belonging and deepening relationships.
When you’re ready, get alone, grab a journal, take a deep breath, and ask God to help you process the questions and explore your heart and inner world. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in you and write what you hear.
What feelings rise up in me as I consider the current state of my relationships?
What am I longing for in connection with others?
What might be my next step toward deeper relationships?
My responses:
What feelings rise up in me as I consider the current state of my relationships?
I feel a mixture of hope and discontentment. I am so thankful for steps toward connection. For people I love and enjoy. For rhythms of gathering. For people in my life who are open and make space for getting together. For family and friends and new acquaintances. I feel hope in all of this. But I also leave many gatherings and social outings and sideline conversations wishing the conversation went deeper or wishing the relationship was deeper. There’s a longing for more.
What am I longing for in connection with others?
Deepening. Knowing and being known. BUT. I’m sure I’ll write more about this soon, I’m noticing in myself a hesitation to take relationships deeper. I think for one, I’m afraid of offending others or asking questions that will make them feel uncomfortable. But also, I’m noticing in myself a fear of being asked the deeper questions. There’s certainly some insecurity in me, fear that if I answer honestly, will they still love me?
What might be my next step toward deeper relationships?
I think it’s initiating the depth. It’s asking good questions. But first, before I show up to any conversation or gathering or opportunity for connection, it’s knowing I’m already fully loved and approved of by God.
Some quick links:
Get the Good Question guide here.
If you are interested in spiritual direction you can check out some FAQs here.
If you’re ready to schedule a meeting, you can do so here. (Remember, first sessions are free for subscribers of spacemaking!)
If you’re interested in retreats, you can get more info here.
And may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and your soul!