11.09.2012

homegroups

tonight is the second night our home group is meeting. bryan and i started hosting one last week. we're new at the church, but we're jumping right into things. when bryan mentioned to me that this was something he really wanted to do, i wasn't sure at first--having my house clean every friday? having people over every friday? (did i mention i'm an introvert?).

we're new so i wasn't sure if people would even come--no one hardly knows us yet. but last week was really good--interesting conversation, a mix of people (college students, professors, couples and singles). bryan is teaching about what it is to worship, which is what he has his master's in, and i know he is so happy to have this ministry opportunity.

its a good growing opportunity for me too--i'm not naturally a very hospitable and outgoing person, but it is something i've been praying for God to change in me the past few years. not the introvert part--there's nothing wrong with that--but not wanting to have people over just because i'm introverted and its not as natural or comfortable for me. i've found that the more that i put myself in situations like that though, the easier it is.

i remember when we first moved to the seminary, my (now) friend missy, who is Very extroverted, kept coming over and trying to get me to hang out with her. her husband was in a lot of classes with bryan, and they had just moved her too. i'm embarrassed to say how many times i made up excuses not to go out--too sick, too busy, whatever. someone who was pursuing a friendship with me! ah! anyway, eventually i realized how crazy i was being, gave her a chance, and she became one of my closest friends at the seminary; without her there, it would've been hard to make it through the sea of seminarywives.

all that to say, it opened my eyes up to how closed off i am to people sometimes, and how much i put up walls. and while i still do love to have time to myself, i've come to also see the benefit in fellowship, not just for others but for myself too.


Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, 
since love covers a multitude of sins. 
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, 
as good stewards of God's varied grace
- 1 Peter 4:8-10

3 comments:

  1. I have to admit, I'm so jealous! I would love to someday host a home group at our house. I love having people over, but I know what you mean about having a little anxiety about it. I think I fall somewhere between introvert and extrovert. I'm definitely energized by being alone, so that has always made me think I'm an introvert (being around people wears me out), but like you, I've gotten a lot better about practicing hospitality (or at least...I've tried). It would've really scared me to have a friend live with us for half the week before Krystle started living with us but it's been great. That's a great verse/reminder. Wonderful thoughts. I'm so glad you're having a great time. I can't wait for next Monday!

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  2. Anonymous7:52 PM

    That is wonderful! I'm not naturally good at hospitality either but it is something I try to practice. In the past couple of years God has been faithful to grow me in it a little. Hospitality is a wonderful thing besides being biblical. It ends up being such a blessing to the people you invite into your home and it is such a blessing to the one opening their home. Some of my fondest memories have involved times we have had others into our home. Praying you are doubly blessed as you extend hospitality to others. :)

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  3. Heather & Amanda -- i would've thought of both of y'all as naturally gifted at hospitality! you are always so thoughtful with your guests--i just throw things together but i want to get better at it!

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