Being in Community

Image from activerain.com

This Saturday we are hosting a block party! What a better way to meet the neighbors, invite friends over, and open up our home (or cul-de-sac) to be in the community! On Halloween! This day is all about neighborhoods, having fun, and people. (Well I guess we can’t leave out candy). We have a big trick or treat neighborhood so it will be fun to have lots of families stopping by as we are all hanging out in the front yard and driveway. There has definitely been some work that has gone into it, but we are excited to host, meet people, and hang out with friends!

But planning this party has got me thinking about all the different circles we find ourselves in. And I am not talking about any social media or google circles. Those don’t count. But actual community. Lives we interact with, people we touch, hearts we know, and souls we reach. People and relationships are one of the most important things we have. Do we take care of those? Do we cherish the people around us? Do we cultivate new friendships? Or do we leave work and disengage? Do we drive home and shut the garage door? Do we stay secluded inside our own bubble? But who are those people around you that might need you? Who around you may be a blessing to you if you just leave a little space?

Think about your circles. Are they just social circles? Are they circles of influence? Are you influencing them? Are they influencing you? Are they prayer circles? Are they sports circles? What circles overlap? Which ones never touch? Which ones can we intersect? Are you purposeful in your circles? Or are you just existing?

Think about these things. How can you be more intentional in your circles this holiday season? Can you host a party? Can you reach out to a new couple? Can you invite your neighbors over? Don’t just pass by people on the street, reach their hearts. Live with purpose.