Ah yes... in the midst of painting and washing brushes and cleaning up after Round One of my Painting Parties, it hit me! Once again - I filled my home with Community and I STILL haven't followed through in making a Guest Book for this year!
You see, it all started with this one amazing woman that I read about on Donald Miller's Storyline blog... you can read her story HERE. (Seriously... I will wait! It's short and SO worth the read!)
Basically - her one word for last year was Community and instead of going out and trying to find it somewhere else, she decided to invite it in and create it in her own backyard!
Now - I don't have a food budget that will lend itself to me throwing huge dinner parties! I don't have a private backyard or a large table to seat 22... (although I considered for a moment having people sign my new dining room table?)...
But what I DO have is a heart that is longing for Community! I have a comfortable home that is warm and welcoming and I love to have people over... to create an atmosphere where Real can happen and Love is present! So I decided, after reading that post at the end of January, that I wanted to do that too! I wanted to entertain more on purpose... to invite people in... friends, family, neighbors... strangers when led... My husband is oh so very pastoral and it does his heart good to have a house full so he was game from the get go!
I decided last night... after realizing that I had had yet another gathering and didn't have anyone 'sign in' that I would make a Guest Book and decorate it in a way that I can lay it out in the living room and have visitors sign it whether they are here for a party - or just one on one, over coffee. I can't WAIT to see what God does with this!
What are your thoughts on Community? How do you create or participate in community?
While a goal of 500 is a bit lofty to me, my husband and I have determined to find community and be fully present on a consistent basis this year... whether it is in our own home, or elsewhere!
Where do you find Community?
~Karrilee~
3 comments:
Love this post Karrilee. I have had this tendency since doing this church plant to see my home as my sanctuary and since my main family room and dining area are rather small in this house we have neglected having very many people over. I was convicted a bit by your post. There is no reason I cannot have small dinner parties and coffee with girlfriends in my home.
BUT....arrrgghh....I have been feeling buried under my to-do list and it seems to be one more thing...any suggestions to get by this 'burdensome' feeling?
Love this post Karrilee. I have had this tendency since doing this church plant to see my home as my sanctuary and since my main family room and dining area are rather small in this house we have neglected having very many people over. I was convicted a bit by your post. There is no reason I cannot have small dinner parties and coffee with girlfriends in my home.
BUT....arrrgghh....I have been feeling buried under my to-do list and it seems to be one more thing...any suggestions to get by this 'burdensome' feeling?
Gay - yes... just Do It! (I know... I'm sorry!) But it is true! Once we get into the habit of doing it - it gets easier! My 'One Word' this year is "Surprise" and that is a stretch for this planners heart for me to be open to those spontaneous gatherings and I must let go of my perfectionistic tendencies... it's all about being real, right? If you are drawn to community - if you are hungering for an atmosphere where Peace is, then I am hoping you can get over a little clutter and dust! I encourage you - Just Do It!!! You will be so glad that you did!
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