I am energized by being alone… being creative, or resting, or thinking- that is what refreshes me.  Reading the Word, journaling, brainstorming; quiet surroundings- I like that.  Now don’t get me wrong, I love people and like to spend time with people, and can be a loud person too.  My husband is energized by people- loud crowds and noise don’t phase him.  I am glad he understands me and tells me to go nap when I am trying to get 1,000 things done at once.  He knows what I need and what will help refocus me and keep me from falling apart.

There is an Audrey Assad song I really like called, “Known”- a line in the lyrics goes something like this, “Savior You have known me as I am, as I was and as I will be- you know me.”  Isn’t that what we all want, to be known, really known for who we are (warts and all)?  I am so glad I have people in my life who get me, who know me and have grace for me and my weaknesses.  Who don’t try and change me, but help refine me and support me as I walk out this journey of faith.  People who get why I feel the way I do and are sensitive to my sensitive heart.

In Bible study this last week, one of the leaders talked about how investing in others is so important, but how being in “community” can be exhausting.  I agree somewhat.  I often hesitate getting involved with things, because of the drama and issues that often arise.  But this past year, I took the leap and got involved in three different things that have proven to be a real blessing.  I was shying away from being in community with others for numerous reasons (past hurts, insecurities, selfishness, fear, etc.)  But, I am so glad I prayerfully took the plunge to be involved with these three things.

So thankful for the Homeschool Partnership Group!

So thankful for joining LAMP!

When we are in community with others it can be messy, but it does grow us in ways we couldn’t if we weren’t involved.  I hesitate to write this because I think they are a lot of people who are way too busy in life- and many people around them, including their family and themselves, are suffering because of it.  But, if you are sitting back and avoiding community because it is messy, let me encourage you to pray and ask God what step of faith He may be asking you to take.  I am an advocate for not being too busy or spread too thin, but being true to what God has called you.  But for me, I can sometimes avoid a few things I actually should do because I get weary of dealing with others and my own issues too.  Evaluate to see what side you lean towards- over-involvement or seclusion?  Why do you lean this way?

There are things you have to offer that others need, and things others have to offer that you need- an encouraging word, hand-me-down clothes, to be lifted up in prayer, to help them learn a new skill, etc.  God designed relationship.  We need to be in relationship in order to be healthy and grow; but man it can be hard and not so pretty at times.  I need work in this area for sure, this is not something I am great at.  If we all were doing what God has called us to (and not doing what He hasn’t called us to) I think then the body of Christ would be functioning as it was designed to, healthy and in balance; pointing to Jesus, the Head of the body.

This past week we were blessed by a few beautiful displays of community. Two ladies from church so thoughtfully offered themed-decorations for Darling Daughter’s 8th birthday party.  I had decided to do a big party (I hadn’t done one that was so involved since she was 2) with a “horse” theme, of course.  It was such a blessing to use all the decorations from these ladies, I was blown-away by their help.  It may not have seemed like a big deal to them, but it meant so much to us and the party was so much better because of it.  Also my Mom came early to help out (I am not so proud of how I was pretty stressed out with cleaning and making sure everything was great), she was such a help lending a hand in whatever way I needed; thanks Mom!  Numerous people pitched in to make this party happen- thank you!

The party was great (probably won’t go so over the top for a long time, I am tired out)!  So as you look at these pictures may it be a reminder of the importance of community and how as we each offer ourselves we can bless deeply and also be blessed.