Standing in the check-out line at Walmart, our two-year-old grandson Finnigan had me on my toes. Keeping what we’d selected in the cart proved to be challenging as our little man kept shuffling things from the shelf in and out of the cart. I glanced at the cashier as I instructed Finn to give the lady the toy, so she could ring it up. Almost immediately, I realized a man, not a lady, stood at the cash register. Embarrassed, I apologized.

He responded, “No problem. At least you acknowledged me.”

His comment caught me by surprise, so I asked, “Doesn’t that usually happen?”

“No, most people don’t even look me in the eye.”

In an attempt to make up for my bad behavior, I was determined to have a short conversation as he finished ringing up our groceries. When I left, I wished him a Merry Christmas and thanked him for his help.

In the weeks since that conversation, it hasn’t left my mind. It’s made me ponder: How often have I gone about life without making connections with others? Like at the gym while trying not to die on the treadmill? (Okay, so maybe that’s understandable). Or when my children are talking, but my mind is miles away? Let’s be honest, how many times have I been in a checkout line, absent-minded and distracted, not making eye contact with the cashier?

In this busy world, perhaps we all need a reminder to take time to connect. After all, Christ’s journey to earth was all about connecting. He came to earth so we could know our Heavenly Father. He could have just given us a book to read (which we have in the Bible) or a movie to watch (there are plenty of those), but that wasn’t enough. He wanted us to have a personal connection with God the Father.

“If you have known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him. John 14:7 (ESV).

Connections matter. Without them, we can’t impact others. We miss out on what God might be doing in us and for us. We squander opportunities to change and grow as others contribute to our lives. For all we know, the few moments we invest in connecting with others could be the slivers of time God will use to bring awareness to His greatness. Let’s not miss that connection.