Decades ago, the leaders of the church set aside an hour during the week for Bible Study. To get home from work, feed the family and then sit for an hour while someone teaches was often a chore, but these days I find that hour one of my favorites....
Susie started the class I am in several years ago, and through the years we have gone from 3 of us a week to over 30. We've done topical studies, video series -changed teachers a few times, and moved from one room to another.
But one thing stays the same; we are deeply bonded to each other - some of us are new to the faith, some (like me!) are "old-timers". Doesn't matter - we join together weekly in unashamed love for each other, seeking only encouragement, knowledge, and acceptance.
My, that sounds idyllic!
Our current class is in one half of the Fellowship room. The other class is "mixed", and the coffee pot is on our side of the room, so men and women pass by us as they make their way to their class. Sweet Sylvia goes by, with her encouraging words and hugs, some of the men make funny comments about "us women" and asking to join our class. Then, the door is closed, and off we go.
The majority of our time is spent in prayer requests, sharing updates, and affirmations. Last night, we spent some time giving specific praise to the Father for the answering of our prayers, and some time comforting a sweet sister whose heart was breaking. There's no rush, and the time is well spent.
I noticed last night that we had 4 mother/daughter combos. The "passing on" of the faith was so evident, and the chance for everyone to witness their bonds was awesome.
So, this is my mid-week oasis; a place of rejuvenation, love, and worship. We laugh, we cry, we plan, we study, we encourage. We love getting to know each other on a different level than you would if you just pass by someone in the center aisle on Sunday morning. It makes life real, in every sense of the word.
Is this what those men long ago intended? Did they have any idea how pivotal it would be to us in 2013 to have that "breather" during a hectic work/school week? That those lonely due to being widowed or single would be supported by the fellowship of brothers and sisters?
Whatever their plan was, I reap the benefits of their decision. And I thank them, with all my heart!
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...." Heb. 10:25
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment