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I don't know about you, but I'm still ruminating on the Trader Joe's cashier questions. "What are you doing the rest of the day" and commenting on an item you're purchasing. These feel like such simple connections, and yet, I imagine it took a lot of time for the company to decide what would best connect. It makes me uncomfortable because I don't often want to be seen that thoroughly, that visibly. I want to duck in and duck out, unseen, unnoticed, perhaps even unbothered.  

And yet, there is something deeply beautiful about the intentionality of connecting, about intentionally trying to see someone, to recognize that we're sharing in this life together, just trying to find the best ice cream to match our donut selection. Later Sunday evening, someone approached me to share about a similar experience they had. While touring Petco Park in San Diego, they learned more about the architect, Antoine Predock (image above: Mandell Weiss Forum), who has designed several spaces with the intention of forcing people to engage with others to navigate your way through. Again – while potentially frustrating – the goal is the intentionality of connecting. 

Christ has told us that we belong. "You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:10) Christ has already done the work necessary and now asks us to go and do likewise.  

Belonging isn't just something we receive from Christ. It's something we practice because of Christ. 

  • Who have we not connected with because it takes work? 
  • Who are we leaving out because they make us uncomfortable? 
  • Who around me might be waiting for an invitation, a conversation, or simply someone to notice them? 

This week, choose one person who often stands at the edge: a newcomer, someone who eats lunch alone, the quiet coworker, the person who always leaves worship without talking to anyone. Don't try to fix anything. Simply make space for them. Learn their name. Ask a genuine question. Listen well. Then reflect: How did that small act change both of you? 

 - Rev. Allison Yankey