The Importance of Involvement

I was reminded this morning of the importance of involvement and serving in the Body of Christ. 

Growing up in the same church from the time I was 9 until I turned 27, I became involved in serving when I was 12.  While there were brief moments when I was not involved due to my work schedule, for the most part I served at the church for 15 years.  In the process of serving, I was fulfilled.

Serving was not only emotionally satisfying, it was also where I built relationships.  Every Wednesday evening, Sherry and I would chat between activities with the children.  Before I knew it, we were fairly close.  A few times a month, I would play bass with the girls for worship.  Before I knew it, we would be looking for each other on Sunday mornings.

A few months ago, through a series of events and circumstances, I have been looking for a church to call home.  And this morning, it hit me: the reason why I don't feel "at home" in the churches I've visited is quite simply because I am not involved.  I haven't invested myself in a home group and I haven't served inside the church either.

Serving and using my strengths will provide me with the opportunity to connect with other members of the church and begin to fulfill my purpose in the Body of Christ.  After all, isn't that what we were called for?

Crying like Crazy

I'm not sure why, but my emotions have been absolutely crazy for the past week!  I've been crying at the drop of a hat.  Its been insane.  And rather annoying since I'm not typically an emotional person!

On another note, I've found a renewed glimmer of hope for my health.  I have an MRI scheduled for Thursday morning and there's a surgeon I will meet with after the MRI images have been read by the radiologist.  I just hope this doesn't end up leading to more tears!

Friends, Rejoicing, and Babies

After a great time with one of my best friends the other night, I drove us back to my house where she had left her car.  As we said goodbye, she thanked me for being excited about her pregnancy and the upcoming birth of her first child...

How could I be anything but excited? 

She recognizes that I am older than her... and it should be my turn first (or something like that).  I will admit - it would be easy to think this way.  I should have been married first; I should be the one preparing a baby room.  But I'm not and she is.  She is expecting a baby while my left hand remains naked.  She's right.  It would be easy to be upset, disappointed, and hurt.  It would be easy to feel left out.

But, again I ask... How could I be anything but excited?

Would it be fair of me to try and take her joy away from her simply because I do not have a joy of my own?  Would it be right of me to try and make her feel guilty simply because she has something that I don't?  Instead, I think of the great advice from God on this subject...

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

This is the way our friendship works.  That night, she wept with me as I grieved over my singleness (and finding yet another guy who will not be "the one").  We wiped our tears and hugged.  She grieved with me and comforted me.  That night, I rejoiced with her as she placed my hand on her stomach to feel the baby kicking.  We laughed at her story of her trip up the elevator at work and how a co-worker noticed her entire stomach move with the kick of her baby inside.

I may not have a child inside my barren womb.  But I will have the joy of visiting her in the hospital in a few short months.  I will be able hold and cuddle with that bundle of joy.  I'll have the pleasure of visiting her at home and taking care of the little one while she takes a much needed nap or shower.  I'll even change diapers for her.

I am blessed beyond measure.  I may not have a ring on my finger and I may not have children of my own.  But I have two best friends - one who has already given me three little loves and another who will be giving me a bundle of joy in a few short months.  I am blessed because these wonderful friends love me enough to share their joy with me. 

Yes, I am blessed and I will rejoice with my friends as they rejoice.