Renewed Community

Today I rejoice in a renewed sense of community. I attended a group of women gathering to encourage and love one another and we did.

Understanding that we do life together is foundational to the Christian walk. God intends us to be part of groups, whether natural or chosen family. My church home, Gateway Houston, makes it a priority, encouraging and facilitating small groups within the body of Christ. Today my small group got together at a local restaurant, welcoming visitors, and hugging necks. I left the meeting with a renewed sense of community. The distancing resulting from COVID-19 had chipped away at that feeling of belonging somewhat, although we have met via Zoom regularly. We resumed church gatherings on Sunday last year. As wonderful as weekly services are, sitting down and talking with my friends in Christ always blesses me. Expanding relationships based on faith takes time and commitment. Knowing these women are committed to growing relationships enriches my sense of belonging.

Our sharing encouraged us in different directions. I loved hearing about how one woman has integrated movement and activity in her day as she gardens. My soul was encouraged to ask for God’s help to meet my own need to expand movement, recently diminished because I went back to a sedentary job. Another friend shared stories about God making a way for her to fulfill dreams and to pull her toward a new ministry direction. Others shared knowledge and understanding about God’s purposes they had discovered through work. I left the sweet circle with a reinforced certainty that He is at work in these trying times.

Our small group leader successfully connects with us individually and as a group. Her regular texts and phone calls make a difference to each of us and to keeping us in touch with one another. It’s reflected in the greetings at church through our joy in one another’s smiles and hugs. I look forward to seeing any and all of them as our church gathers each week. Church attendance, moved to online during lockdown, is once again a linchpin in my weekly schedule, and small group is no exception.

I was reminded of what the writer of Hebrews exhorted the early church:

Hebrews 10:24-25 …and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. Amplified Bible  (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.