doing life together // or not
So this is intended to be more interactive than the last few posts.
The current ‘small group’ of people that Kristen and I have been involved with has taught us much about ‘doing life with people.’ That’s a phrase we toss out there that is very vague on purpose. But genuinely, it gives us some direction on where we think we should head. We know that just getting together for an hour a week to study something and then disconnecting is not going to help us in our journey with Christ anymore than anything else we do. So we have been intentional about seeking out these friends at other times during the week. Hold that.
One of the phrases that I say to Kristen sometimes is, “People always say they want to do life together…..until it comes time to doing life together.” Meaning that it sounds real easy, exciting, fun and maybe a little edgy or something to say ‘we do life together,’ but when it comes down to the nitty gritty and really doing life together when its inconvenient, that’s when the wheat is separated from the chaff.
This group of people we’re currently in community with have taught us what it means about ‘the inconvenient times,’ from working on each others homes in some of the busiest times of the year to taking Kristen and I in for a few weeks when we were in between houses. It taught us that we want to be as open as they have been for us. But I use the above phrase as I talk with other people about how they want to experience deep community like what we have discovered. And I think, are you willing to live that out when it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient. Because if you’re not, you’ll never find community like that.
So my question is, what does ‘doing life together’ mean to you? Do you really see it happening in the community you’ve surrounded yourself with? Are you the one who struggles to follow through in the inconvenient times?
Lynn
Tuesday, 20th July 2010 at 5:30 pm
Doing life together means you look at the clock and it’s 2 am..you wonder where did the time go and do you have to go home now?
Doing life together means you have a crisis that involves a “sad cake” and your friend says they are the best cakes ever.
Doing life together is when you have a real crisis and your friend is there for you with a hug, a “i’m in this for the long haul”, speaks the truth in love because they know it’s best for you, love you no matter how ugly you get in that crisis, and know that words just don’t work…but a look of compassion and prayer does
Doing life together means giving all you got for the benefit of the other and it sometimes means sacrifice that you do with a smile because you love them like a sister or brother.
Doing life together means you are all about being the hands and feet of Christ
And last but certainly not least…..doing life together is bringing your friend chocolate even when they don’t need it but just because
Jason Frye
Tuesday, 20th July 2010 at 11:16 pm
Doing Life together to me means, realizing that there are others outside of your personal space and comfort zone, but who are within arms length, within the echo and sound of a word, and within the protection of a short prayer or needed action as a result of prayer needs. Its realizing that the fear of letting someone in, or approaching the comfort zone of someone you care for, is holding back or putting limits on God’s plan and shadowing the light he expects to be shown from our hearts. It is our duty and desire of our Father to serve, love, and commit to one another. In all times. Despite conditions and timing, despite differences and diversity. Its knowing that putting love and earnest, selfless love into your community creates the unspoken support of your own weaknesses.
The stone in the middle of the most steadfast and fortified wall, that withstands all punishment, wear & tear, and exposure to outside influces …..shares equally in the push and pull, give and take, and community of the stones in which also join to make that wall. A loose stone or lack there of commitment and equal participation by a stone in that wall, initiates the crack and weakness; the strength and effectiveness, and meaning of this wall without total “togetherness”, is comprimised.
Give it. Give it. Give it. Give it. Without expectations or invitation; give it out of calling and because it has been given to you.
April
Sunday, 25th July 2010 at 5:39 pm
“Give it. Give it. Give it. Give it. Without expectations or invitation; give it out of calling and because it has been given to you.”
love that.