INSPIRASUNS

Last night we enjoyed one of our first summer gatherings. I think I’ve mentioned these little outings before. In the summer, our church organizes one monthly dinner with a local restaurant. Parishioners volunteer to work with the restaurant with a set menu and price and to host the evening. During the “off-season,” as we call it, the restaurants are pretty slow, many even close one day a week so this is a great way to support the local businesses. It’s also an opportunity for parishioners, those who have been at our church for a long time, and those who are brand new, to get to know each other in a relaxed setting.

Our first soiree last night was wonderful. Even the weather cooperated with a beautiful sky, (it started iffy, but the skies cleared). Everyone enjoyed time with each other, chatting and getting to know one another, and long-time friends enjoyed just catching up.

As I made my way around the room taking pictures I noticed the joyfulness in the room. I noticed the genuineness of the evening if that makes sense. Everyone was interested in those around them, they weren’t just there to be there. God’s children gathered together to learn about each other, build relationships and most importantly to share his love. Many people commented to me that they had met someone new, only to find out that they lived in the same neighborhood. Many realized they had mutual friends or lived in the same area years ago “up north”. Father was showing His children how much they have in common.

When my husband and I got home, I looked through the pictures I’d taken. They captured the evening I think. Many pictures of tables of people smiling and enjoying the evening. However, one picture truly shared what the whole evening was about. I turned at one point last night to see one of our parishioners, who has become a friend, standing at a table nearby talking with the women seated there. The woman standing was holding the hand of one sitting. You may think, oh that’s nice. The picture though, the love that jumped out of that picture was so clear. It was truly Father at work. For privacy, I won’t share the picture here, however, I do ask you to just imagine a time when you felt so much love in your heart that it made you smile. Well, that is the image of this picture 🙂 .

Friends, I know I sound like a broken record lately, however, I really do think we make things harder than they need to be. God just wants us to share His love by loving one another. He provides so many opportunities to make it happen. A simple good morning to a stranger, a thank you at the grocery store, or a gathering of friends, old and new. Take the time to recognize those opportunities, and then participate in the moment. You’ll be glad you did, and hey, you might just make someone else’s day better 🙂 .

Have a great day friends!

1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all that you do be done in love.