Preacher on the Run…

Summertime is a time when schedules change, routines are different, and travel abounds. Every summer our family tries to take a vacation. The location of these vacations has changed throughout the years. We have done beach houses, cabins in the mountains, and even stay-cations. Each of these places brings its own joys and difficulties. But while the location has changed from year to year, one thing has remained the same…the people.

My wife’s family has been doing extended family vacations for 25+ years. I married into this routine, but they were in the habit of an immediate family vacation every year with an extended reunion every other year. It has been quite an experience for me. While I don’t see all the in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews often there is a connection we have that has been formed over 15 years of weeks spent together. This connection has come because of commitment.

It hit me last year, that while we don’t spend a lot of time together the connection among my wife’s family is real because they are each committed. Despite living hundreds (even thousands) of miles away from one another, each member makes an intentional effort and commitment to see each other every 2-3 years for a week at a time. This is exactly what Casey McCall reflects on, thinking about the church, in his article “Want Connection, Try Commitment?“. So often, as a pastor, my heart is for people to feel connected to one another. But Casey touches on at least one obstacle to that connection.

What do you think? How much does commitment play into feeling connected to others? What are the other factors? When have you felt most connected to others? How has the level of commitment correlated to the connection you felt? In my experience, the more and longer I am committed to others the deeper the connection goes. With that don’t forget to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day (and more).

Until Next Time…