A Small Group

It has been 2 months since we've formed our small bible study group and it has been an enjoyable way to study with each other, meet new people and visit some great restaurants.

Tonight as I looked at our small group sitting around the restaurant table, I was surprised by the different mix of people that have come together. Most of us describe ourselves by what we do . . . a dentist, a principal, a business owner, some teachers, administrative assistants, an elevator man (wink), and agricultural engineer. I'm sure I have missed one but there are all types of occupations and interests sitting together. We are not related. We do not work together. Some of us are new to the area, some have been here all their lives. The one thing that binds us together, and in some instances binds closer than blood family, is our love for Jesus Christ.

While we ate, we discussed families, jobs, interests, grand babies, nitrogen, farming, elevator grease, food, and Keifer Sutherland. Something awesome happened. We began to be more than just a group of professions . . . we began to share our lives. I know that one couple is expecting a new grand baby, a son is getting married, there is a vacation being planned, a health and wellness presentation going on next weekend, and on and on.

From this evening of laughing, eating and sharing, we'll spend more evenings opening up our Bibles and discussing how we will apply what we read to our lives. How the verses shape our thoughts, our attitudes, our faith, our relationships to not only each other but to Jesus.

I walked out the door tonight thinking that the writer of Hebrews knew what he was saying when he suggested that we not give up being with each other because that is how we encourage each other.

Some days we need the encouragement.
Some days we are the encourager.