Look for connections with others

“My determined purpose is that I may know him — that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him…”

— Philippians 3:10 (AMP)

At the core of our very being we long for connection. God designed us this way. After all, he desires a relationship with us, so it would only make sense that he would create us with a desire for relationships.

As a communicator, having the opportunity to relate to others and exchange ideas and passions excites me. However, we all have a different comfort zone when it comes to relating with others, and often don’t understand why or how to connect.

Experts believe for a relationship to be favorable and experience the greatest level of intimacy, it must connect in a few of these five areas:

Cultural intimacy includes sharing similar nationality or traditions. Chicago is the melting pot of ethnic neighborhoods, where people can enjoy sharing their traditions and keeping their cultures alive.

Social intimacy involves sharing similar passions and interests. Many of my friendships from childhood through adulthood formed for this purpose.

Intellectual intimacy occurs when we exchange ideas and information on the same level as another. People network with others for this reason. When I was a new mother, I enjoyed connecting with other mothers to share our stories and tips regarding raising our children. When I worked as a nurse, I enjoyed networking with my nurse friends as we shared and learned from each other. Now I enjoy other writers and Bible teachers for this reason.

Emotional intimacy is triggered when positive feelings and emotions arise toward a potential mate or unique friend that seems to understand us like no one else does.

Spiritual intimacy occurs when we come to an awareness and personal connection to our loving creator through spiritual experiences and Bible passages. Through this, we bond with others spiritually, like the people we meet at church, because we share similar beliefs, values and experiences that place our focus on God and what he has done in our lives.

In these challenging times, we can search for God through our relationships. Connecting on these levels helps identify how relationships can bring lasting joy and fulfillment in life.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.