Other People

Our pastor has been doing a series of sermons on a theology of other people for the past couple of weeks. Last week I had to ask for forgiveness up and down my row after the sermon. I had been cranky, fussy, lack of mercy Mom for the week and I had to own up to it then and there.

This week I have been more aware of how many other people I depend on every day. My family of course helps me keep things running, or keeps me from keeping things running, but they are always involved. My neighbors have been wonderful in watching kids, carpooling, picking up things at Costco, lending odds and ends, and loving us in the details. I have had good friends bless us in staggering ways as we walk this path of adoption. They drop by and say hello and then email with wonderful news of blessings from people I have just met. Our children go to a wonderful Christian school where the teachers have become our friends as well.

Sometimes I think I can do my life on my own. I like to think I'm not totally dependant on other people. This, very usual week, has been a good reminder of how we are saved together. I am not alone in my life. I have many other people around me. Some are around me physically, some are around me on my blog, some are around me on the phone, but they are all part of me and my sanctification. One good friend, that recently moved, commented on why we would be her friend when she had so many needs. I told her that she had given us so many opportunities to serve, it is all for our good. Meeting her needs, kept ours in perspective, and she was a joy to serve.

I am very thankful for my friends, for my family, for my community, and for my savior. I am grateful for the opportunities to serve others, and to be served. I am very grateful that our triune God calls us into community with other people to teach us what love looks like.