
As we close the chapter on 2024, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of living with purpose and intention. This year has brought both challenges and triumphs, a blend of moments that pushed me to dig deep and ask, What truly matters? One thing remains certain: relationships built on intentionality flourish, while those left to drift often wither away. While this truth holds for human connections, it is even more critical for our relationship with the Lord.
I am an 80’s girl and I grew up in the radiant township of St. Mary’s, Chitungwiza. In my youth, I witnessed love and relationships blossom in ways that were deeply personal and utterly entertaining. Back then, there were no mobile phones, no WhatsApp, and certainly no TikTok dances to capture someone’s attention. Relationships were not rushed or disposable; they required effort, creativity, and patience. Love letters, meticulously handwritten, were treasured keepsakes. Some came adorned with the cheeky instruction, “Kiss before you open.” With that kiss, one was instantly transported into a world where every word felt like a promise, and every sentiment carried the weight of eternity. No one dared rush into things; instead, everything seemed to flow in its own time.
One of my fondest memories is of my uncle during his courtship with my aunt, who stayed with us at the time. They had a unique love language: a whistle. Yes, a distinct whistle that only my aunt could recognize. He was not allowed near our house when he came to visit, so he had to get creative. He would stand at a distance, hidden in the shadows, and whistle, a whistle so unmistakable that my aunt would perk up, listen attentively, and, with a mile-wide grin, creatively leave the house to meet him. We used to laugh at the sheer absurdity of it. Imagine relying on a whistle to court someone! Yet, it was both hilarious and heartwarming. It was not just a sound; it was a declaration of his presence, a sign that he was there, waiting for her.
Looking back, I realize that whistle was not just clever; it was intentional. It was a unique connection between them, one that no one else could replicate. Isn’t that what our relationship with God should be like? A deep, personal connection, built on effort, persistence, and unmistakable love.
John 1:12-13 reminds us of what this relationship looks like: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” When we accept Christ, we are not just signing up for a religion; we are stepping into the most intimate relationship possible, as children of God. Just like my uncle’s whistle, this relationship requires effort. It is not passive. It is a connection we nurture intentionally, knowing full well whose we are.
Building a relationship with the Lord takes focus. Relationships back then did not have the distractions we face today. There were no endless scrolls or buzzing notifications. If someone wanted to be with you, they showed it through consistent actions. They did not keep “options” on the side or waste time. They were intentional. That same intentionality should define how we pursue God. Do we show Him that He is a priority in our lives, or is He left waiting for a whistle that never comes?
In John 15:1-5, Jesus paints a vivid picture of what it means to stay connected to Him: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” To remain in Christ means more than simply acknowledging Him. It means abiding in Him, making Him the center of our daily lives, and trusting Him to prune the parts of us that do not serve His purpose.
Studying the Word is one of the most powerful ways to stay connected to Him. The Bible is not just a book we skim through when we have a spare moment. It is the living, breathing Word of God, a guide to knowing His heart. Hebrews 4:12 describes it as “alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” Through Scripture, we hear God’s voice, just as distinctly as my aunt heard my uncle’s unique whistle. The more we immerse ourselves in His Word, the more His voice becomes familiar, unmistakable, and deeply personal. Being intentional also means making room for Him in the chaos of our daily lives. It means setting aside time to pray, worship, and truly listen, to hear what He has to say. The world is loud, filled with countless distractions pulling us in every direction. Yet, God’s voice often comes as a still, small whisper. If we do not quiet the noise, we risk missing it.
Intentionality is not always comfortable. Sometimes, God’s pruning feels painful as He cuts away the things we cling to but do not truly need. Yet, just as a gardener prunes to encourage growth, God works in us so we can bear fruit that will last. This process takes trust, surrender, and the willingness to let go of what holds us back.
As we step into 2025, let us carry this lesson with us: our relationship with the Lord is worth every ounce of effort we put in. Let us approach Him with the same creativity, persistence, and focus that defines a true and intimate relationship, or maybe even with our own unique whistle. Let us dig into His Word, draw closer to Him in prayer, and abide in His love. 2024 has taught me this, and as I express it in my mother tongue: “Hupenyu hunoda kushinga asi kushinga uri munaKristu”—life demands courage, but courage in Christ is what sustains us, transforms us, and allows us to live fully, manifesting His will and intentions.
So, as we tune our hearts to Him, may our lives become a powerful and impactful whistle of love and devotion, letting Him know that we are here, waiting, and ready to remain in Him. May the fruit of our relationship with Him bring glory to His name, now and forever.