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“The number one problem in the world is people’s living disconnected lives.”

A thought by Leonard Sweet, (2012-03-13) from his book, What Matters Most: How We Got the Point but Missed the Person (Kindle Location 155). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Today is Valentine’s Day.  We buy that just right card that says what we wish we could say to the one we love then we go out to eat just the two of us and at some point there will be a kiss.  But how many people today don’t have anyone who will give them a card.  Today is a day that highlights our being connected and highlights our being disconnected.

For some, today is the only day that they feel connected and then the loneliness sets in just like the other disconnected people.

Now Margaret and I don’t really have that problem.  We moved to Pasadena, California a little over three months ago because of Margaret’s new job.  She is now the Director of the 65+ person QI department of a large health care insurance company. She has an office but she doesn’t stay in it.   One of the first things she does every day is to walk around and greet every one of the people who work with her.  It has been one of the main things that has helped to change the atmosphere in this large department.  The Boss connects with each person who's every day. 

Now I have found six coffee shops where I go connect with people.  I am in my favorite Starbucks right now.  I have made some very close friends, friends that I care very much about.  One is a 4th grade teacher, another is an accountant who played basketball at Columbia in New York City, another is an aspiring actress, another has her own accounting business, another has a fashion marketing degree and is about to start her own blog, another has a mother who has cancer, another is a biology major looking for a teaching job and there are so many more.  How do I know all that?  It is because I have connected with them.  They are my new friends.

I was finishing up today my second of thirteen read-throughs in 2013 of the Gospels in the New Testament.  Over there in John 15:15 Jesus said, “I have called you friends…”  I underlined that because I believe He is my friend.  Jesus made friends and you and I need to make friends.  I’m glad that He is my friend but I’m also glad that God has commissioned me to be a friend. I want to be an extension of Him to the disconnected lives that just need a friend. 

Do you need a friend?  I encourage you to be a friend to someone today because they probably need one too.  It starts with a smile, just a smile.  Then the next day or whenever just say something to them, and then at some-point ask them a question.  But I’ve found it starts with a smile.  Now it does take time but it is worth it for them and for you.

So who is going to be your new friend?    

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