London is a city where many students and professionals come and go. Each year, I meet new people and develop meaningful connections with them. Each year, some of these people will have to leave for another place for the next chapter of their lives.

I used to find the separation painful. If connecting with a new person means that I will have to be separated from him or her and feel the pain, then is it easier for me to not open my heart to any of them in the first place? My heart desires attachment and connection, and I want each of these to be eternal… but they are not. This is because people (including myself) have their own callings and things to pursue. The fact that we are able to cross paths and connect at least once in a lifetime itself is a miracle. Instead of wishing to be with them “forever and ever”, my heart starts to cherish each meaningful connection as they are.

Most importantly, I started to understand that I have a loving God, who will never, ever be separated from me. As a Christian, I can submit all my worries and thoughts to Him, build attachment and connection with Him and appreciate each person I meet as they are.

With this fact in mind, I feel comforted and reassured about each relationship and connection I have with the loving people in my life. Even when there may be physical separation, the hearts are never separated.