Hellos

Hi everyone

I've blogged about "good-byes" so today I thought I'd blog about "Hellos". You know what, "hellos" can be just as hard as "good-byes". OK I see some of you scratching your heads, but it's true.

Picture this, it's your first day at a new church. There are about 40 - 50 people attending the church. They all know each other and someone told then all about you, so they also know who you are. But you, well, you know very few people at this church. It's your job to say "hello" to everyone and remember their names. All of these people have one name to remember, yours, but you have at least 40 people to meet and names to remember. Now do you understand when I say that "Hellos" can be just as hard as "Good-byes" Now picture a brand new Christian, or someone just curious about God and they walk into your church. How scary is that!!

Both of these things are hard for very different reasons, of course, but they're still hard. Geoff, the kids, and I experienced all the "hellos" last Sunday. I know when I get to church this Sunday I will not remember half the people's names but the good news is (I pray) that they are kind and patient people and will give Geoff and I some grace as we learn all these new names.

Being the new kid on the block is unnerving but interesting. People begin to tell you their live story. I must say, some of the stories we've heard in our ministry are wonderful, and some you can really learn from.

As hard as "hellos" are, they are a way for God to grow us. There is a saying I love to say, I don't know if I made it up or if I heard it somewhere, but it goes like this . . . You can only grow when you allow God to change you.

So we need to look forward to change and embrace it because God is at work in you so that He can work through you for His glory and His kingdom. COOL!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone
Deb