Love at first meeting

Ephesians 5:19-21 (New International Version)

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now that we have found a church, we have happily joined a small group.  Sunday services end around noon, which means we jet out quickly in order to get home, eat, and get our child down for a nap.  This leaves little time for fellowship, of any kind, much less developing any kind of relationship with our fellow church-goers.  We have attended a Sunday school class, all of once, got confused as to whether or not it was still meeting, and now need to figure out which one we should be going to.  During this time, we have loved our time with the family, but knew we needed to connect with some other people.  Our pastor approached us and told us to pray about joining a small group another couple would be starting.  We laughed, and said, "yes, we're in."  When God has already revealed a need in our lives, we don't typically have to stop and pray about it when the opportunity presents itself. 

Last night was our first night to meet with this group.  There were six couples and a combined total of 20 children.  Yes, 20 children.  Whew.  It was wonderful chaos, and it went well.  Someone thought far enough ahead to know we would need outside help to man the children so the adults could converse.  And, it was fun.  The hubby and I each came home giddy and excited.  Will we do an organized study?  Simply fellowship?  Pray for an hour?  We don't know.  I think we are going to find the balance of each of it, and extend grace when grace is needed to one another.  I made the statement that the good thing about something like this is that people are involved, and the drawback is that people are involved.  But, with that, we get to show one another grace and mercy and learn to love better.  It's good, friends. 

As you would expect, there is already one other lady in the group that my dearest husband has claimed I may cause some trouble with (in that fun, holy, laugh until your sides hurt kind of way).  He's right too.  But you know,  I instantly felt comfortable with every person in that room, and am excited to get to knowthem better.  Praise the Lord for this answered prayer, for this wonderful gift, for this gift of other broken people seeking to know the Savior better, who want to go beyond the masks we wear with one another, and who want to learn and grow!  WOO HOO!!!!