Spending Time in Community

I've decided I'd like to begin journaling after church on Sundays.
As a time to reflect on what was learned, the interactions that were had, and as a way to communicate with the Lord. It can also be a way to look back and witness growth in myself and within our church community.

Tonight was a good night. It was our very first gathering with our newly-arranged groups. In the summer, I was paired with the Halvorsens and Stadlers. Now with our new group, Marissa, Chuck, Danny, Megan, and the Shearers have joined us. I'm excited to be spending more time with these people!

Danny and Megan are expecting their boy around Thanksgiving, who they're thinking of naming possibly Wesley or Lucas. Danny returned to work for Buffalo Wild Wings, putting grad school on hold for now. Megan has a new nursing job working with an infant. They're apartment hunting, and are hopeful about a spacious place in Burnsville. I'm so looking forward to meeting their little boy in November, and excited for her upcoming (surprise) baby shower!

Marissa is currently in Scottland visiting Erin, who's there for the semester. What a fun opportunity to see a new part of the world. Tyler's doing something similar, visiting Sam Able in Germany this October. And Noah's sister recently traveled to Alaska to visit Ellie. If I ever have a good friend move across the globe, I hope I'm able to take advantage of the opportunity to travel.

So tonight's topic was about how we can be more involved in the lives of each other, identifying the things that keep us from sharing our time in community. I know I have tendencies to be selfish with my time. Lately I've been thinking about the Woody Allen quote 99% of life is just showing up. Sometimes I need to push myself to just show up. Afterward, I'm usually glad that I did. I have to remember that. Tonight, I prayed that I would be reminded daily to think of how I can include others in my life. God, I also ask that you help me to be more loving in the interactions I have with those around me, that I may invest in their lives and allow them deeper into mine.