Read: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

The Teacher highlights one of the universal necessities for wholehearted living: companionship. In the past we may have called it fellowship; today we call it connection.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

I am reading Brene’ Brown’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection.” In it she talks about wholehearted living and the elements that make it possible to achieve. Connection is in the top three.

Like Solomon, Brown highlights the advantages of someone to lean on in life. Connection is more than just being able to greet someone in the coffee shop and it’s definitely more than a friend on FaceBook. It is knowing that I am seen, heard and valued just as I am in all my imperfection.

Take a minute and think about the people in your life. Who would you call in an emergency? Is there someone with whom you can share your imperfections without fear of rejection or judgment? Who makes you feel seen, heard and valued?

If the only names that come to mind are friends you have made through and connect with over technology, I encourage you to reassess. We NEED live face-to-face encounters with real people. Don’t settle for the disconnection of technology when your true self longs for live human connection.