Many years ago when Joel and I first assumed leadership at the ministry, our lives became instantly fuller and more complicated. Oftentimes, we'd find ourselves moving in different directions at a very fast pace. We wanted to make sure we didn't wind up breezing right by each other with our minds preoccupied with the tasks at hand. So, we looked for ways to connect throughout the day knowing that every step towards connection would build the bond between us.
Sometimes we'd high five, sometimes it was a quick "I love you," or a kiss. It wasn't important how we connected, but it was important that we did connect. Even today, we are both busy people. We both have a lot going on, but whenever we see each other during the day, everything else is placed on hold for a moment. That's because we know that when we take time to make a connection, it helps our hearts stay bonded and moving in the same direction.
I love what Novelist Katherine Anne Porter once wrote, "Love must be learned, and learned again; there is no end to it." I think this is so true. Love should not remain the same year after year; love is supposed to grow. Relationships evolve over time, people change over time, and our love should strengthen and grow over time, too.
The apostle Paul prayed that our love would abound and grow in knowledge and depth of insight. This tells me that I cannot put my love on autopilot. We can't just assume that people will know and feel our love. We have to work at it in order for it to grow. If we don't reach out, if we aren't intentional about showing our love, then our relationships won't grow or be as fruitful as God intends for them to be.
Today, make the decision to keep strong connections with your loved ones. Look for simple ways to show your love. Take time to invest in others and let your love grow and overflow!
"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding" (Philippians 1:9, NIV).