The People You Meet: Part 2

Usually, it's super difficult to be the newcomer in a group of people that already know each other.  They might not know what to think of you at first, and you can't quite keep everyone straight, they are basically just a jumble of new names and faces for a while.  Slowly but surely, they each become something separate, equal pieces that are vital to create the whole experience.  You start to get to know what part they play and why their presence is so important.

I've had a lot of those in the last year.  Two new work environments, groups of musicians, groups of students, and a whole church community. While they all have taught me lessons, and been either awesome or awful, one gave me a purpose that I had no idea was in store for me.

The People You Meet All At Once.

Fun fact about me- I used to be terrified of aliens.  I don't know where it came from or how it got so...out of control, but it was seriously an issue.  My mom and sister went to the store one night & came home with an "Alien Detector" for me.  It was this neat looking little contraption that lit up in the dark, you know, so I knew that it was working. They told me that when it was plugged in, the aliens stayed far away, but that even when it wasn't plugged in it would still protect me, because it had a mile radius no matter what.  Of course, I took it any time I was staying overnight somewhere.  I remember getting to a new place and checking my bag for it, trying to do nonsense math in my head to figure out if the radius covered the whole house or hotel I was in.

I don't know when it finally stopped being on my packing list, but I do know that it eventually became just a night light.  I frequently see the same light in bathrooms and on shelves in stores.  Just a simple, clear plastic light that can stay plugged in and doesn't require an off/switch.

Faith can be a lot like that.  When you aren't "plugged in" anywhere, you still have your faith & protection, but it is not as powerful as when you are actively practicing, listening, and learning intentionally. Being plugged in gives you more power, and your light is visible to others in the darkness. 

Hence, my enthusiasm to get "plugged in" again somehow after college.  The first day I attended Resurrection Downtown, my ride had to arrive early for her responsibilities, so I tagged along.  I was briefly introduced as a friend to a group of people and everyone went about their business.  A few weeks later I was sharing with those same people about my faith journey and the rest is history.  I knew I wanted to get involved, but I had no idea what God had in store for me there.

They started as strangers, and in no time at all there were incredible bonds formed that are hard to explain.  Without knowing if I was even qualified to listen, they began to really speak.  They welcomed me without having reason to think I deserved it.

They frustrate me, they challenge me, they inspire me, and they are amazing. Their hearts for Christ and for others is something I never knew to expect.  I was supposed to be one of the examples, teaching lessons and giving advice and encouragement, but there is no way I can compete with the lessons they have been teaching me.  Because of them, I do not see myself unplugging any time soon, and I could not be happier. 

Sunday was my formal goodbye to most of them, but I take comfort in the fact that our bond has grown strong enough to know that it's a temporary thing.  The friendships that have formed are not going anywhere.  I am praying that, while they are gone, even if they are not actively involved anywhere, I can give them some extra power along the way, and their "unplugged" radius can keep them going in the off times.

I also take comfort in the fact that there are still incredible ones left to learn from, and who knows how many there will be in the future.  So, while I hope and pray there will be more, if my journey ended with these, I would be equally as proud of the group, of the difference they have made and the examples they have been for others.  And I know that I will never be able to thank them enough for how they have changed my life.