Connections.

Connections can come in many forms. For most, a connection means a relationship with a person. And yes, that is true, but according to the official definition a "connection" can be either:

1.) a relationship with a person, thing, or idea.

2.) an action of linkage.

A relationship with a person, thing, or idea. This is the primary definition of a connection. 

Most of you who know my family or myself know my crazy love story, but for those who don't, I'll give you the very very short and simple version:

Growing up, my family and our best friends family would go on vacation together every fall break. One year's vacation, when I was 13, we met a few guys from Washington... these guys were around our sisters age, but we all still became close. Once the cruise was over, we continued to keep in touch. One day one of the guys "introduced" me to his younger cousin who was my age through Myspace. Oh, Myspace days.

We instantly hit it off. He was my best friend. He was right after Tom on my top 8... serious stuff, man. We talked every day. All day. With being 3 hours in time difference, it never stopped us. His friends became my friends. My friends became his friends. It was a weird sight. A few years had rolled by, and the only communication we had was over the phone... but Christmas changed that when we both got webcam (laptops didn't have them already built in at the time). This made things so different, but a good different. We would have them on all the time... even when we weren't technically talking. I would be cleaning my closet, he would be fixing a table. He would be playing video games, I would be reading. Distance wasn't an issue because we were right there. We lifted each other up through God and through love. Gifts were sent back and forth with each other, fights were started, and jealousy rolled back and forth, but we always seemed to manage through it.

Time and time again, plans would fall through of coming together... as mad as I would be, looking back I know God was saving our hearts from doing so at such a young age. Just last year we applied to the same college in Arizona, both got accepted, but again, God knew what He was doing when He chose different schools for us to attend. Still, our connection was there... is there. We can go months without talking, pick up the phone to call or FaceTime, and nothing changes... whether his hard head believes it or not, nothing will change between us. Maybe God will bring us together one day, I pray it everyday, but loving someone is letting them do what they believe is best to do. That is connection. Bold and in italics. An action of linkage. Though this pertains to an actual linkage such as a bracelet clasp, braiding three strands of hair, or tying your shoe laces... it can go towards much deeper things that we take for granted: holding hands, locking eyes with a stranger or loved one, or even the feeling of a song that fits perfectly to what is going on in your life.

Holding hands is taken for granted so so often. You don't think anything of it than just being there with someone... but that's exactly what you're doing... being there. Right in that moment, right with that person, right in that place. You'll never have a moment like that again, sure you can do it again, but the same effects won't be present. The wind won't blow the same speed, your heart will beat a different beat, you won't be standing in the exact same position, your mind will be in a complete different zone, nothing will be the same. Most people just do this out of habit or obligation. This simple act can mean so much more than just, "oh here we go again, take my hand in yours...", it's a moment of safety, a moment of warmth. Next time you go to hold hands with your partner, truly be in that contact connection. Locking eyes. This, again, is something we don't think of. Sometimes we think it is awkward or embarrassing depending on who we share looks with, but other times it is a romantic gesture. Have you ever walked down through the mall or an airport, or even just at Walmart or on campus, and see someone you haven't seen before, but have that eye contact for more than 2 seconds... they smile, you smile back, then instantly feel weird that you had to experience that moment. That happens to all of us... but it doesn't have to be dreadful. You never know what looking someone in the eyes and smiling or greeting can mean. You could have the worst day so far, see a child smile at you as if nothing is wrong, and you remember that everything isn't as bad as you think. Just because you don't know them and they don't know your story, doesn't mean sharing eyes can be awkward. Sharing eyes with your partner is a different story. In movies you can tell that is the fairytale scene... gazing into the person of your dreams, being only in that moment. Yes, it looks special. Seeing the grooms face as his bride walks down the isle... yes, it looks special. So, when you find that person you can gaze into their eyes, into their heart, and into their mind... keep them and don't let go!

A song speaks a thousand thoughts. I truly believe this. A song can be words that were never said. I know we have all heard those songs that take us back to certain times in our lives, songs that make us remember certain smells or a food, but have you ever had a song that no matter what mood you were in or what was going on in your life- it was the only thing there for you or that could make things better? If you haven't yet, you will. Music connects people from all around the world to be in the same moment. Everybody goes through the same things, whether you see or believe that or not, but music is the true example of that. Seeing artists pour their heart out into a melody is such a beautiful sight, but when they are singing in front of an audience, stop singing and point the mic to the crowd to hear thousands of fans singing the same words in sync is what is powerful. Whether the song connects to you or your situation, the artist connects with your tastes, or everyone being together connecting to the melody... a song speaks.