The Gift of Staying Connected

By Rev. Steve Longley

This weekend, I’ll be away from our church family to attend my 50th high school reunion—a milestone that’s equal parts surreal and sacred. As I prepare to see classmates I haven’t spoken to in years (and some I’ve thankfully stayed close with), I’ve been reflecting on how essential our relationships are—not just in our youth, but across the whole arc of our lives.

It turns out that one of the best predictors of a long, happy, and balanced life isn’t wealth, education, or even health habits. It’s connection. A landmark Harvard study, which tracked individuals for over 80 years, found that the strength of our relationships is the single most significant contributor to life satisfaction and overall well-being. Meaningful relationships—even imperfect ones—buffer us against stress, nourish our spirit, and remind us who we are.

Old friends have a special place in this mix. They remember who we were before life layered on its complexities. They hold stories about us that we may have forgotten, and they remind us of the simple joys of growing up—of beginnings and becoming. Reconnecting with them is not just about nostalgia; it’s about honoring the ties that have quietly shaped our lives.

As people of faith, we believe God made us for relationships. Jesus didn’t just preach love—he lived it, in circles of friendship, over shared meals, through laughter, tears, and presence. So this weekend, while I’m away from our church community, I’ll still be deeply engaged in holy work: reconnecting, remembering, and rejoicing with companions from another time.

I hope it prompts you to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in a while. You might be surprised by the joy it brings.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve