Mid-week Devotional:
Week of July 12, 2026
Several years ago, my siblings and I started to meet on Friday’s at 12:30. We have continued to meet unless we are all busy with work or commitments. Three of us still work full time and two of us are retired. The way we connect weekly is through a site on the internet called Zoom. There is no other way we could connect because we live in different states. I live in Texas most of the year. My oldest sister is a retired nurse and lives in Florida. My younger brother and two younger sisters live in Minnesota. My brother is a farmer. One of younger sisters works for a bank and my other sister is self-employed and works on taxes for businesses and farmers.
When we are able to gather online there is a lot of laughter. We share the latest accounts of our children, grandchildren, and marriages. We take time to recall memories of our growing up together. Most of all it is a time of refueling for all that we share openly reminds each of us that we are not alone. It is a time of listening. Our words in response are kind, loving, encouraging, and supportive.
Our parents instilled in us the importance of remaining connected to those within one’s family, to those who are our neighbors, and to those in need around us. On many Sunday afternoons, we would all pile into the car and go visit neighbors and relatives. Calling friends and relatives who lived too far away to visit during an afternoon was not an option at that time unless there was an emergency. Long-distance phone calls were expensive while we were growing up. But that didn’t stop my mother from communicating with her sister in northern Minnesota. Instead, she wrote letters to her and sent them through the mail. I loved receiving my mother’s letters when I was in college.
It is important to build relationships with family members and neighbors.
It is also important to build relationships with those beyond.
There are many around us who have no one to talk to.
There are many who have no one to connect with, to share their needs, their joys and their concerns.
There are many who feel lost and alone.
As Jesus’ disciples we are each sent out into the world to share with all those we meet that God is there beside them who loves them and desires a relationship with them.
Remember that since the beginning of time there has always been One who has listened to you.
One who has cared for you.
One who has honestly responded with the best advice there was to your requests.
One who has never been too busy to be present.
Scripture from the New Testament book of Philippians, Philippians 4:6 reminds you and I that God will be beside us as we share God’s love and grace.
Hear the Word of God,
“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”
This is God’s word for God’s people. Thanks be to God. AMEN.
May you take time today and in all the days ahead to connect with those you meet and may you share your faith in God’s eternal presence to all those you meet through all your words and all your actions.
I will be praying for you.
Peace be with you.
AMEN.