By Deacon Jessica Noonan (she/her), Acting Executive Director at LEAD

When was the last time you wrote a note to someone you care about? Maybe that friend you have had since childhood? Someone who walked with you through a difficult time? A co-worker who is also a friend? Family member you haven’t talked to in a long time? Today my husband brought in the mail and there was a thank you card from my friend. It was totally unexpected and came on a day when I needed to hear kind words. I know a text is so much easier to send off to someone. A text is valid too. Yet, nothing is the same as a dear friend taking time to buy a card, write a thoughtful note, address it, add a stamp, and walk to the mailbox. That is an extra layer of effort. 

Our daily lives offer countless opportunities for us to connect with other people. God created human beings to be in community with each other. More than ever, we need to pay attention to and invest in the connections we have with each other. Of course, we want to connect with the people we know and like, but I wonder about the people you don’t know yet. How could you intentionally connect with a neighbor you haven’t met? Barista at the coffee shop you frequent? Your child’s teacher or coach? I invite you to take a chance this week in two ways: 1. Connect with someone you know and send them a card in the mail (shocking!), and 2. Connect with someone new by starting a conversation with them. What connections will you make that create community for you and someone else?