It’s clear we need each other. And sometimes we still need a break. We must learn to fight for meaningful connections that fuel us, just as we must also set reasonable boundaries around those that are draining.We were created for relationships and they provide the food our souls need to thrive.
In fact, the ache of loneliness is so exhausting that we eventually lose the motivation for the rest of life. We might still go through the motions, but our hearts are empty inside.
Even when we’re spread thin in the busyness of life it’s important to maintain meaningful connections that bring us life.
This might be a quick message or phone call, for example, just to say we’re thinking about each other. But even these small gestures go a long way toward refueling our souls. And as a regular practice they allow us to maintain our soul vitality as we navigate the many ups and downs of life.
On the other hand, some relationships simply require a lot of us – leaving us feeling more depleted rather than filled up. And even when they’re not toxic per se, coworkers, customers, and some seasons with our wife and kids can all burden us at times.
Here is good to have regular rhythms of social rest – a relational Sabbath as it were. This is not running away from others. But it is simply taking a needed break of personal space to restore our own souls.
In the end, we become ineffective when we don’t have meaningful connections to fuel, inspire, and keep us motivated to accomplish all God has called us to do. And also when we don’t have the needed space to breathe and rest from all our relational demands.
Find those connections that fuel you and keep you going. And be mindful to fight for the relational rest your soul needs as well.
Photo by Jonny Harmon on Unsplash
