Theme:   Blueprints for a Better Life - Life-Giving Relationships

Read: Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20

Think:  Pastor Ben encouraged us this weekend to seek others out and develop a sense of community around us. In essence God created us to live in community and help one another grow and encourage each other each and every day.  Throughout the Bible we see community lived out in deep and profound ways.  From Adam and Eve, to Moses and the Israelites, to Jesus and His disciples, community and relationships with others are integral to God’s plan for us.

Several days ago my wife and I gathered with friends for an outdoor barbeque. The conversation quickly moved to what each of us had done this summer (I almost jinxed all of us and said this past summer).  We shared stories of travel, and families and friends.  Several of us have had the good fortune to travel to places far away, where life seems to run a bit slower than here in America. 

I am often surprised with the stark contrast that exists between our hurried life at home, and the slower paced, relationship centric life, which takes place in many other countries around the world.   The relationship seems to take precedence over time and motion.  If we are really honest with ourselves, really honest, aren’t we often more concerned about the moment than the person, about the event more than the relationship, about our agenda more than the lives of our friend, or brother, or sister? 

We recently learned an expression that is often used in Italy: “Il dolce far niente”….the sweetness of doing nothing.  It is about the art of doing away with those things that distract us from what life really has to offer.  It is not really about doing nothing of course, but it is about enjoying and savoring the relationships in our life, putting aside a pre-planned, pre-scheduled agenda and allowing the possibility for us to see and experience God’s creation. 

In today’s readings we are provided strong confirmation of God’s love and desire for a relationship with each of us.  “He will never leave us, or forsake us”. “He will be with us always to end of the age”. Loyal, consistent, present; sounds like a pretty darn good friend to me. 

Do:  Unplug. In a life of Blackberry’s, I-Phones, Droid’s, Facebook, and Twitter, intentionally turn them off for a while so you can turn your attention to those around you.  Take a day off – God created the Sabbath for our health and restoration.  Sit with a friend– take a page from the Italian playbook and experience “Il Dolce Far Niente” - together. 

Pray:  Heavenly Father I am thankful for the friends, family and relationships you have provided to me.  I know I haven’t fully appreciated these.  I have taken these for granted and allowed the tasks and schedules of life to supercede the relationships you want for me.  Thank you for always being with me and never forsaking me.  Help me today to take the time to know others, and know You better.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.