Remember the game (as well as a counseling technique) of saying the first thing that pops into your mind in response to a word or phrase?

Let’s play!

Necklock.

Where’s Sunni?

Bless your heart?

Schnitzels, snickers, and shekels.

Yeah, man.

Picture chick.

That’s not how any of this works.

It’s fine. Totally fine.

Ask your Granny.

I’m gonna snatch a patch of hair out of your head.

For a small group of women who served and toured Israel last month, every single phrase is infused with memories, mostly hilarious ones. As they read this, they will be laughing and probably missing each other and our time together.

Others are confused or trying to solve the puzzle.

When we share experiences, we react to certain situations and words in similar ways. We feel united, connected. When we aren’t part of the experience, we can feel out of the loop, isolated, or confused.

We can’t all share every experience. But we can’t share experiences with people without effort. In order to benefit from relationships, we have to invest in each other. We have to get out of our comfort zones and take risks. Sometimes, you will get hurt. Sometimes, you won’t have the close connection you want. Sometimes, you’ll share a life-changing experience with people who become lifelong friends.

We connected in Israel, but you don’t have to get on a plane with strangers-soon-to-become-friends. Look around you. Experience life with people God has placed in your life.