The Gift of More

There are a number of words that come to mind when reflecting on the past month in our household;

change,

anticipation,

hard work,

emotions, (celebration/tears)

beauty,

rest. (And yes, beauty rest!)

If I had to choose one word to tie all these words together it would have to be 'togetherness' - not being or doing alone.

In the beginning of September, Pastor Delbert spoke a message of risk from the top of a "very-much-too-high-unstable-diving-board-platform." Even though I was too nervous to pay attention properly, the visual and the message were clear; Ask for help! Have people come alongside you praying for you, supporting you. I believe this to be true but don't always have the courage (and humility) to follow through when it means phoning, writing, emailing or texting, asking someone to do so.

As parents this fall we have walked through significant changes with our kids. We have literally walked to and from new places with our children, praying as we walked. We have peered anxiously through windows watching for their return so we could meet up and find out the progress of that day and event. We have cried together and celebrated together. Had movie or games night together. Ate together, both in celebration and comfort. We've trained, we encouraged, we've confessed.

It would've all been very hard alone.

It's easy to preach but not always easy to practice.

Over the past few weeks I have experienced the gift of more because of sharing with others. The gift of others speaking into a situation because they have walked alongside, really caring enough to entrust that situation to God with you. Of seeing more clearly with many eyes, of hearing more clearly with many ears.

Join With Others

We recently had the privilege of hosting a very passionate speaker, writer and follower of Christ - Shane Claiborne.

A number of years ago I was reading through Shane's book, "The Irresistible Revolution." I was deeply impacted by his passion for following God as related through his stories and bold telling of lessons learned through life experiences. He speaks of sacrifices worth making; of community worth building; of faith worth pursuing.

I am thankful for people that God puts in our lives to push us, to make us think carefully about how we live our lives and make our decisions, how we spend our money, how we grow our children and care for those around us. Most importantly, people like Shane show us through example what authentic Christian living looks like. These inspiring people met in books, studies or other forms of media can act as exemplary "visitors" who help to regain our focus as a community; to breathe new life and motivate us to stay or get back on track.

The Bible speaks about the importance of living and growing with other people in faith community. It wasn't easy to be selfless in Bible times and isn't easy to do now either in a society that is praised for individualism and self achievement. It isn't easy to be in the midst of disagreements and sickness and loss. Yet the upside down nature of the kingdom of God is that in sharing these very things that upset us or in giving up their importance in our lives to help others, we find fulfillment - we find encouragement in the working out and sharing of God's love. (See Phil 4:10 - 19.)

I have been deeply moved while reading of Paul's fondness for the Philippians. He starts the letter by saying:

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Phil 1:3-6 MSG

Throughout the letter we find Paul saying things with urgency and with repetition to make a point. The point being, don't give up what you already know and have attained in your faith. Help each other out. These words convict and challenge and comfort.

Just like a running partner can get us out the door for a run in the morning or a friend walking alongside while in a weight loss program can keep you from grabbing food when you know you shouldn't, so to a good friend or group of friends can help grow spiritual disciplines that will keep you growing in matters of self control, fear or other selfish tendencies we want to be freed from.

Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal.
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Philippians 3:17, 4:1 MSG

By Reason of Christ

Hello Ladies,

Just wanted to send a word of encouragement out to you as you work through your last week of homework in this series. God's word through this study is speaking deeply into my life situations right now! God is amazing!

When working through Psalm 133 and reading Peterson's, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction", I was reminded, no, more like hit over the head with a few things he said.

"No Christian is an only child."
and
"The Bible knows nothing of a religion that is defined by what a person does inwardly in the privacy of thought or feeling, or apart from others on lonely retreat. When Jesus was asked what the great commandment was he said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind, and then immediately before anyone could make a private religion out of it riveted it to another: A second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matt. 22: 34-40

Being in a totally new situation in life; new place, full time school for all my children, no current out-of-home employment, new relationships...it allows for more time to be introspective, to study and to well, be an introvert! I am completely enjoying this time and feeling very thankful to have this opportunity right now. However, it would be easy for me to think that my spiritual growth could take place here alone - just God and I. Time alone with God is essential but the words I read last night reminded me that I am surrounded by family and by neighbors and by church. At times it seems it would be easier to just go at some things alone and to decide not to include some relationships in the journey. This morning I knew that I couldn't do that with the relationship being contemplated.

I loved the exercise from Beth this morning to list several things he or she is "by reason of Christ" (page 161). To see people as God would see them and to wonder what God will do today in the life of this person, how will He reveal Himself to them, to what new heights will He take them? Often times I need something tangible like that to hang on to and to help me take the next step.

The exercise didn't come easy at first. I have been a reluctant spectator on this but as I was reminded of our memory passage I was able to pray about it and my list of things about this person became longer than the line could hold.

I have been praying for forgiveness in this relationship and as the day went on realized that this seemed to be an important step.

...My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth...He will not allow your foot to slip...

How about you? What is an important truth you are learning about being on a journey in community?