I wrote letters to one of my sisters when I was a young boy, 13-15 years old. Writing a letter then involved a pen, a special letter writing pad, an envelope, glue, a stamp and travel to the post office to post the letter. These were the tangible activities involved in communicating my love to her.

She hated me initially. The very sight of me irritated her. But I loved her and her elder sister too much to react in hate or disgust. I still do, but as a child, it was different. Immature and innocent, with emotions that get easily carried away, my love for her was clear and pure. How was it possible? It was the grace of God in my life. I wrote to her to let her know she means a lot to me. I would pray that God changes her heart. It happened! She read the letters and heard me out. She would write back to me. Long story short, she started to love me, and 30 years later, by the grace of God, we continue to have the strongest spiritual bond of love and respect for each other.

Why this story?

Today, we send out messages like "sup?", "Hey!", "ho", and "hum". Okay, not hum. We also know the message has reached the phone and the recipient has read it. If SMS does not work, connect to wifi and send via Internet. All done in seconds! No hassle of pen, pad, glue, post office, etc. Add to it all the little frustrations of doing those activities These letters were often 2-3 (A4 sheet) pages long.

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

There's no investment in relationships anymore. They are meagre and reduced to nothing, and then children wonder why they are so lonely and lost.

Convenience, aimed to save time, has killed our ability to invest time in relationships and things that matter in this life. We get distracted and remain divided inside and out. Most do not invest in building their relationship with Jesus.

TIME MATTERS

Most children are wasting more time than ever before. We have many apps to indulge in, extracurricular activities for school and work, and friendships. Believers are allowing technology to be a problem rather than a practical tool. Most can't find time for Jesus to build a relationship with Him.

Sometimes, our time and effort get ruined trying to mend a relationship. But our relationship with Jesus is already healed from His side. What about your side? Without Jesus, we cannot shine as the light of the world. He is the eyes and ears through which we see and hear this world.

Jesus knew that the Father always heard Him (John 11:42). Jesus prayed regularly to cultivate His relationship with God. He invested the most time in His relationship with God. Are you living in the truth that the Creator of the heavens and the earth hears you? He does, dear believer. You belong to Him alone. He loves you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust in Him for all your needs. He will bless you abundantly.

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.