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Reconnecting With What Matters Most

Reconnecting With What Matters Most

Last updated on: July 19, 2026 at 1:01 pm by Michele Gunn

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Reconnecting With What Matters Most 2026-07-19T13:01:19-05:00 Michele Gunn

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This week’s column is about renewal, or more directly, reconnecting. This brings to mind Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” Of course that just sparks the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn” to run constantly in my mind. That brings me back to seasons and how precious time is. We are in the middle of summer, but it will soon end. Summer often invites us to slow down enough to notice what we’ve been missing. We realize that relationships can become casualties of busy schedules. Our relationship with God can suffer in the same way. This season offers opportunity for reconnecting and returning to relationships and purpose

Reconnecting With God

Now is a great time to reconnect with God. Bear in mind that faith is built through relationship, not obligation. We often get wrapped up in the obligation and forget about the relationship. How is your relationship with God? Do you even have one? Consider your prayer life. Do you often get caught up in the busyness of life and leave prayer as an afterthought? Examine your prayer life honestly. Have you been talking with God or simply talking at Him? Do you only seek Him when you are in need?

Consider implementing some practical ways to reconnect:

Daily prayer-Set a time for regular, daily prayer. Consider praying in the morning before you start your day and/or right before you go to bed at night.

Scripture reading-Add the Word of God to your life by reading Scripture. There are many resources of reading plans to help you organize your reading. You can also pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit before opening your Bible and just read whatever you are guided to. Importantly, sit with God’s Word. Listen to what He has to say to you.

Adoration-I find Adoration to be a peaceful way to reconnect with God. Sitting in His presence and just listening for Him to speak also adds a dimension of rest to your relationship. Be prepared to take notes of anything that may be revealed to you.

Walking and praying outdoors-Nature is one of the best gifts God has given to us. Use it to reconnect with the wonder and beauty of His creation and to reconnect through prayer. If you struggle with prayer, start with gratitude for what is a blessing around you. This provides an opportunity to slow down and just be with God.

Reconnecting With People

God created us for community. We were each given unique gifts and talents to serve and build the Kingdom. Roman 12:4-5 states this beautifully, “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.” But, to be able to serve together, we must be connected (yet separate). These meaningful relationships require intentional investment. Consider the relationships that you have. Are there any you have neglected? Reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to call. Set up a time to meet and have a conversation. In today’s world it may be difficult to remember, but prioritize presence over productivity.

Have a meaningful conversation. Remember that good communication includes listening as well as talking. Don’t be quick to relay what you need from that person. Instead, focus on how you can use your gifts with that person. Building up the Body of Christ means building up each other. Also, for the people you can’t meet with in person, a phone call, video call, message or text message chat are all viable options for reconnecting. Sometimes just letting a person know you are thinking of them is all it takes.

Finding God in the Ordinary Days of Summer

God often speaks through ordinary moments, so it is important to set aside time for reflection on the everyday ordinary events. Pay attention to what is happening around you. Take no moment for granted. Spend time enjoying a family meal. My favorite, listen to your grandchild’s laughter or the laughter of any small child. This can be infectious or just give your mood a much needed boost.

Similarly, take the time to really enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Drink it in a special spot like on the porch or by a window so you can watch God’s creation in action. Indulge in a sunset walk. Enjoy the beautiful colors as the sun sets. Feel a breeze. Listen to the evening’s outdoor noises. Summer reminds us that sacred moments often look ordinary.

Reconnecting With Your Purpose

July is a perfect time for a mid-year reflection. This is generally the month before the seasonal changes occur in weather, activities, work and more Ask yourself these questions:

What has God been teaching you?
Where have you felt most alive?
Are your priorities aligned with your values?
Are you living your purpose?

Take time to consider your answers. Write them down for reflection both now and again later. Pray about them. Invite God into the conversation. Do you know what your purpose is? In particular, are you living your purpose? If you are, explore how you are doing that and how you can best continue living your purpose. If you don’t know what your purpose is or how to live it, it is time for some self-discovery. God created you to be uniquely you to serve a purpose in this world, as part of the body. Invest in yourself and start the journey today.

Reconnecting for Your Greater Good

Reconnecting doesn’t require dramatic change. It begins with paying attention. You may feel disconnected or just a little lost or out of balance. That is nothing to worry about. The people, purpose and presence of God may be closer than you realize. It is up to you to be intentional, to live intentionally. Now is the time to reconnect. Reconnect with nature, God, people and yourself. Know that God is waiting for you to join Him in living your purpose. Sometimes to make the greatest impact, you just need to put yourself first. Do this by reconnecting to what matters most. To summarize; know yourself, know God, reconnect with His creations (nature and people), discover and live your purpose and always cultivate your relationship with God. Let’s pray for growth in reconnection:

“Lord, open my eyes to the relationships and moments that matter most. Help me reconnect with You, with those I love and with the purpose You have placed on my heart. Lord, help me to know you and love you. Help me know myself, my talents and my purpose to better serve you. Amen.”

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Zophar Elihu Bildad Eliphaz