One of my primary inspirations in creating this new blog is my participation in a program at my church, Rock Harbor, called "Circles". Circles is design to be a discipleship experience. Our group is composed of 30 twenty-something "slices" (the term for group members). Weekly and monthly commitments and expectations are designed to put is into genuine, intimate community for both growth and support, to encourage us to both serve and ensure that we're being loved on.
The Christian life was not designed to be led alone. Although our most vital relationship is the one we have with God, the context in which we live out that relationship is through our interactions with others. How will they know that we are disciples? By our love. How could we display love in isolation? The desire for community and real love seems to dwell in the deepest part of us, and run through every fibre of our being.
I know that I crave it. I'm so thankful for the Christian community that I've been blessed to have: people to discuss spiritual matters with, to pray with, to encourage. But I've always found myself wanting even more: I want depth, I want to tear down the walls and take off the masks, to encourage, be held accountable and pushed to grow, to love beyond words and in actions and in truth! And I've always known that I'm not alone in this. I hear whispers and words from others seeking the same, and I've seen signs in individuals trying to live that out in my own life... and I've thought, alright. We're out here. How do we do this? How do we find each other? I want to do more than acknowledge that the same Spirit dwells with each of us with a passing smile and knowing nod. I want to LIVE this!
I've been hoping that Circles might be a practical opportunity to do just that, so I've already been looking forward to starting enthusiastically. At our first meeting this past Sunday, a lot of cool things were said. But one thing struck me the most: Darin said that as we looked around the circle, we might not know each other at all, and not know anything about the person sitting across from us."But know one thing," he said. "Each person here wants this as much as you do."
My heart leapt. We all want this! How awesome. I don't expect this to be some magical, idealistically perfect experience. I expect it to be work-- and I want to work! I expect to get frustrated with others from time to time, and I intend on loving them anyway. Isn't that what real love does? And while it might not be "magic", I know that when God moves through His Spirit, the results can blow "magic" out of the water. I'm so excited to get to know everyone, and to see how God works in each of us and as a group through this experience : ) I'm ready. I want this. I'm diving in.
