The Apostle Paul was a busy guy. He travelled across the eastern Mediterranean preaching and teaching, relating, and connecting. In the passage here he indicates that he wishes to slow down, to take time for more than a “passing visit” with the believers in Corinth. He hopes doing so will yield community and care.
In our own busy lives, we may crave the same type of slowing down. Unfortunately for many of us we keep on with hectic schedules of career and service. We might think that accomplishing more will fill that dull ache for significance.
One temptation is to think we can connect with people deeply if we plan time together, similar to booking an appointment with our medical doctor or dentist. The untrue idea is that “quality time” can happen in one-hour meetings over coffee where we “open up” and “be real”.
However research indicates that the deepest and most genuine connection happens in moments while we are with loved ones doing mundane things. It might be doing errands together, taking a walk around your neighborhood, or sharing yet another meal together. These lingering activities build liking and trust and provide the context for us to open up and be real in ways that a quick coffee simply cannot provide. Quantity time leads to quality time.
Are we rushing through this busy time of year with the hope of getting caught up with friends and family “on the fly”? Perhaps, like Paul, we need to slow down, spend time over mundane things. If we do, we may see great conversations begin. Of course this will require us to be on the look-out for opportunities, and when they show up, we will have the foundation on which to build them.
God, help us see the value in time together with family and friends even if it seems mundane. Help us understand that routine relating gives hope for significant care and intimacy. Help us realize that connecting in care and community, as Paul so desired, takes more than a passing visit.
Throughout the Day: Consider ways you can spend quantity time with someone. Text or call someone to see if you two can be together for several hours with little agenda.