Gathering Together and How We are Sometimes Like Snails

I just love the image below.  When I first took the picture, I thought look at all these HUGE snails!!

But as I look closer, I notice that although they look similar these snails have subtle differences.  Also that they are gathering together.  And isn’t that like us as humans.  Often we gather with those that are most similar to us.

I have found recently that I am much more intentional about the time spent gathering with others.  I realize that in the hustle & bustle of daily life, I want to ensure that my “gathering times” have purpose and meaning.  That they add value to my family and my life.

Additionally, I intentionally plan some gatherings with those that might have a different perspective so that we might learn from one another.

I challenge you in the week ahead to gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  If you don’t have a church fellowship, I encourage you to be “quicker than a snail” in finding one.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”   – Hebrews 10:24-25

The Street Chickens Have the Right Idea

We pass these street chickens…well rooster & hen…while walking to school daily.  They are always together and are so different in appearance.  Yet they seem to make a point of spending time together.

One day, it seemed they were enjoying a coffee date.  It got me thinking about God’s command in John 15:12 “to love one another as I have loved you”.

It seems the street chickens were getting it right.  Instead of rushing by heading off to the next event, they were taking time together….it appears, lingering over a coffee.  I don’t know about you, but I was convicted by not being intentional in my current friendships.  I also got to thinking about those that might need friendship yet I was too busy to see their need.

My challenge has been to reach out to those that I might not consider a friend (yet) and try to show them the love God commands.  It might be meeting for a coffee, inviting them for a meal, or just chatting on the phone for a few minutes.  How about you?