"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing . . ."
For a severe introvert like myself, gathering together takes real effort. I don't feel like getting out and interacting with people. I'm happy right here, with my books, computer, and handcrafts.
But there is a blessing in gathering. I enjoy talking with friends and hanging out once I'm there even though I need to recharge afterwards; the effort is in going.
But going is what we are called to do. Right there in the last command of Jesus before he ascended, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
I am reading some church history right now, a book that I started months ago, put down, got distracted from, and picked back up again this week - George Knight's Millenial Fever, about the Millerite movement, the Great Disappointment, and how these events helped birth the Seventh-day Adventist church. One thing that is really standing out to me is how the people involved got out there and talked.
That is such a hard thing for me. and yet, where do we get people with whom to gather and seek blessing if not by going, finding, relating and discipling?
I've done a lot of work through my life to be able to talk to people - I just didn't, for most of my childhood and adolescence. Now I can, and I'm good at it when I remember to access that trained part of my behaviors. I do it for my work. I have a few friends that I talk with, and my family. Remembering to make connections, to chat, even to small talk, is still a behavior that I have to consciously prompt myself to do.
I think that every one of us has something that makes developing deep relationships in our gatherings that is a learning effort. I have little difficulty thinking well of others; I know a couple people who have a hard time not automatically being defensive or pessimistic.
What is your relational growing point? What people skills are you working on to improve your ability to disciple?