Leadership Thought: If You Want to Live Longer, Connect with Others

Dear Friends,

I was in Walgreens when I came across a person in a military uniform. I walked up to him, and as I often do when I see a member of the military, I looked him in the eye and said, “Thanks for your service.”  And he responded saying, “Thanks, I appreciate your words,” and both of us quickly moved on.” 

Just a few words spoken between two people who never met before, but I experienced an immediate sense of connection between the two of us, and I felt good, and I had the sense he did also.

That is what happens when true connection takes place between people, even people who don’t know each other.

As I was leaving the store, I saw a disabled woman pushing a walker, and I took a few extra seconds to wait and hold the door for her, and she began profusely thanking me for my action. I don’t remember what we said to each other after that-not much of anything-but as we both walked away, I do remember having the sense in helping her we both connected  and that act also felt good to me and I suspect she felt the same.

I don’t share these two examples to draw attention to myself, but only to point out that it doesn’t take much effort-just a few seconds-to connect with people and experience the wonderful feelings associated with your action.

How important it is in life for all of us to look for opportunities to connect with one another

It has been said that we need to touch a person’s heart before we ask him for his hand,” and that is good advice for those interested in building relationships.

As a pastor, I am always encouraging our members to look for opportunities to connect with people they don’t know.

When every member does that, a large church becomes small and intimate, and a warmth of fellowship develops that possesses magnetic power to attract and retain visitors. Visitors may quickly forget the message from the pulpit, but they will never forget the warmth of the people who made them feel so much at home.

Churches plan and promote “Make a Friend Sundays,” but why does making friends only happen on special Sundays? Shouldn’t we all want to make a friend(s) every Sunday?

Making friends will not happen automatically.  As my mother used to say, “to have friends, you must always seek to be a friend.”

Connection takes some degree of intentionality, so I encourage you  to never leave church until you have spoken and connected with at least one person you don’t know.

Connecting with others is also good for your health. It can even help you live longer.

A large-scale research review found that low social connection has as much of an effect on our mortality rate as not exercising and is twice as harmful as being overweight. That review also found loneliness effects morbidity as much as smoking or drinking alcohol. Connecting with People- What It Is and Isn’t. Andrea Darcy, March 21, 2017-taken from the internet.

Let’s make Romans 12:10 our church motto: “Love one another with brotherly affection (and) outdo one another in showing honor.”

So, if you want to live longer, and make your church more attractive while doing so, just make it your goal to make every Sunday, “Make a Friend Sunday.” 

Yours in faith,

Tom

Modified and adapted from a previous Leadership Thought