Community

Community. According to Dictionary.com it means: a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists.

I'm blessed with community. A community of believers who are all striving to look more like Jesus. A people I can go to and be transparent and vulnerable with, while accepted in love. A people who are not afraid to speak truth to me and call out my sin. This type of community is rare. I know, because I have tried for a year and a half to find a group dynamic similar and have not. Therefore, God has led me back.

I was at lunch today and despite engaging in conversation around me; I was also retreating to a place in mind that I was overly aware of what I was a part of. Nothing out of the normal happened at lunch, but a statement by Dusty is what started it. He said how excited he was that we were all having lunch together. I couldn't agree more. It was, for me, surreal that God would bring these men and women into my life. Men and women who are pressing hard into God and seeking in all things, even eating Ted's chicken sandwich, to bring glory to Him.

We had so much fun. What stood out to me, was that we were having a blast, and yet none of the jokes were degrading, vulgar, or offensive. You may be thinking that this is common because I'm with Christians at lunch right after church. Very wrong, friend. I have been with too many after church lunch groups where that is not the case. Some groups it seems no one is having fun unless that type of "fun" is taking place. It's refreshing to be with people who know how to have an appropriate good time.

I praise God from who all blessings flow. I am cherishing the moments and the people surrounding me. I write this with my heart overflowing from both the love of Daddy God, Creator of all things; and a love from brothers and sisters who are also expressions of the love from Daddy. To God be the glory.