Family and Friends

The Christmas season heralds a return to our Adelaide family and friends. Although we keep contact throughout the year using various technologies, Christmas is a special time to soak in some relationships we hold dear. Only extended time together brings back the true reality of who we are as family. For better and for worse, we love these times, even though the details may not be exciting to anyone else.

Love of these relatives, renders an observation by a number of those in our Community Chaplaincy groups particularly sweet. ‘It feels like family’ is a comment that has been made to me on a number of occasions. I am so pleased! Like so many in Lane Cove, David and I left our own families to come here, so the need for close companionship, warts and all, is something we understand. The importance of human connection in ordinary and deeper ways should not be under-estimated. Much of what Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy seeks to do is provide opportunities to foster relationships of warmth and trust between people. This no longer ‘just happens’, given the increased mobility of people and jobs, not to mention the isolating effect of technology and older age.

Recent studies show that one in four Australians are lonely and half of us are lonely for at least one day a week! Loneliness has significant negative impacts on our physical and mental health. Hence, actively addressing our need to connect with others is more crucial than ever. It takes some discomfort and courage to make the first step to engage with new people. But think of the benefits for you and others in making that move. Why not resolve to do so this month?

If you would like to know more, please contact me. I can send you a list of ideas to connect with others or recommend some local groups to try. Our Groups and Events page lists many activities where you will be welcomed like one of the family!