The undefinable touches of heart that shape closeness are always around us and often influence us more than the moment of experience. We bond through brief interactions that transfer deep caring or profound values. They create the context and establish the belonging that are the foundation, brick, and mortar of relationships. I watched and saw that this Christmas.

The family had gathered for the day. The youngest ones traveled in a continuous whirlwind from parent to uncle to aunt to grandparent in no determined path, making sure to give and receive attention from all. Shared moments like help opening a present, sharing a present, a momentary hug, or a loving and enthusiastic response were short but lively and communicated a wealth of affection that was far beyond the moment spent. They were experiencing bonding that was growing over time and establishing deep links to their adult family. The same was happening among the adults, a hug here or there, words of gratitude and/or encouragement, and so much more in the shared connections.

I began to realize how much those little moments mean. Interactions like them built a relationship with my parents that transcended the sometimes troublesome times. Friendships that have lasted for decades were built on life bricks like those because establish life giving qualities. The more I watched the more I saw in my past, and all around me. Small moments, powerful moments, nuggets of gold that are treasures beyond counting. They are treasures that will outlast the presents and the time within which they occur. I can see them in the precious relationships that feed me hope every day and have all my life long, especially in relationships which have had to overcome great adversities to survive and keep going.

The topping of the insight is that the relationship with God is built through small moments intermingled through all the busy race of life that rarely slows to appreciate anything for more than a breath. They are often events that pass without fanfare, a touch of insight, a revelation that lingers, an awareness of closeness, and understanding of caring, a confidence that defies explanation. They are bonding touches that cause us to know that we are loved in good and bad and through it all. They are moments that we grasp why Jesus came to live among us to build a relationship with us. It is living hope, divine times in the midst of rushed lives.