United

United

Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

WE MET WITH ANOTHER COUPLE for coffee for the first time, just getting to know one another. We had a lot of things in common, many of the same dreams and hopes for our family and community. We felt united with them in many ways. As the conversation neared the end, they were adamant they wanted to get to know us better and continue to meet regularly. My husband and I nodded that we would like this too as we got up to leave.

Over the next several months, we tried to find times to get together, with limited success. Their schedule was packed full, with little room for any actual face-to-face time together. It was confusing, especially because we’d felt such unity when we met with them. Even so, they were insistent on their desire to be close friends with us.

After several failed attempts to meet and cancellations, I looked at my husband and said, “I don’t think they really want to be close friends with us. They say they do, but how can you get to know someone well if you don’t spend any time with them?” He nodded in agreement, politely responding back to their inability to meet once again.

Being united with others is so important. No matter what stage of life we are in, having those we know we can rely on is invaluable. But to build these kind of relationships, we have to be willing to spend time with one another. We can’t just say we want to be friends with someone else, and then not put forth the energy to invest in a relationship with them. We need to be willing to take the time to get to know them and be intentional to create opportunities to meet together, recognizing that being united to one another will take our time, as well as our words.

Lord, thank you for the people you bring to our lives. Help us to be united with those around us, inviting others in who may need community.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Who in your life do you feel united with in friendship? Take some time this week to continue to grow that relationship.