Into My Life

I recently read another blog from a missionary overseas. Actually I re-read it thanks to TimeHop :) The general point of it was that being a mom, wife, and missionary in a different country are all hard. On top of that she felt the pressure to be in the lives of the community to which they were serving, but struggled with how. Her conclusion wasn't to make elaborate parties or gatherings but to just "share life" with those around her by having them into her house.

I remember sharing it because it seemed like such a simple and easy solution. However, ironically, I quickly forgot it and continued struggling with the same pressures she felt. There are certain pockets of people I've wanted to reach out to and just feel disconnected. I couldn't fathom having a conversation more than a few uncomfortable seconds with some of them, but my heart was still pulling towards them.


One of these groups is the teen girls at our school. Now, let me pause and admit something: I HATED (the social aspects of) HIGH SCHOOL. I'm not ashamed of it either! The highlight of my every day was 1st period, sitting down with my cello. We had a rocking orchestra! Woot! Man...cello is so cool.
I was a good student and a good person. I've never been super great at the social things. My mom asked me once if I wanted to sign up for cotillion. When I found out what it was I nearly ran away and hid.

But I feel connected to a lot of these students purely because they are my husband's students. His ministry is my ministry. And I've struggled with how to make them cohesive in more than just thought. I've prayed for some of these girls long and hard without ever really talking to them. I wanted more. God put them on my heart, I needed to pursue more.

And finally, after re-reading that blog, I had a small group of 10 girls over this week. It was the last week of volleyball (Jason coaches both boys and girls volleyball this year), and they hadn't had a team dinner, I was free, and I had a bunch of volleyball Jamberry wraps to share.....voila! An evening was created! I prepped the food, invited the girls, cleaned my house (what!?) and it was wonderful!


Honestly, I barely talked to them that evening. They were busy talking to each other, playing with Isaac toys and drooling over the wraps. But that is okay. They were here. And that is where it begins.

I now have dreams of this happening more frequently, just inviting people to eat with us and share our lives.

My house might stay cleaner too...(well most of it anyways....that room where I shoved all the junk might never clear out!)