Engage

A year ago today, I googled my friend’s name after not hearing from him. Instead of finding a recent career success or a link to his social media, I found his obituary.

Will made me laugh all the time and he always encouraged me. But through his witty charm, endearing smile and good looks, he was fighting a battle no one could see. Will was one of my greatest friends and often times I wonder how Google delivered me the news.

In today’s world, it is so easy for our lives to be connected but to never cross. We can feel caught up, in the know and in touch without even making the effort to intentionally care, cross lives and truly engage. I love so much how social media connects us but if we are not careful the easiness of it all will trick us into thinking our relationships are intentional and engaging.

In our most connected time in history, loneliness is on the rise. It’s hard to catch a tough day through typed letters and the highlight reels that make up social media. It’s hard to catch depression when looking at emojis and gifs our phones now so easily send. It’s easy to hide anything behind a screen.

1 John 3:16 challenges me to the love and friendship Jesus showed us “This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

We know Jesus’ Love by His Sacrifice. What makes us think that our love is any different. The greatest love, the greatest friendships require sacrifice. Engage. Reach out. Be intentional. Ask questions. Spend time. Cross lives. You’ll regret not doing it more than you’ll ever regret doing it less.