Including Others as I Hope They Include Me

 

Such a simple choice or turn of a block. It is the difference from feeling that we are enough and that we are somehow lacking. I want to say I am a person who includes others but do I really? How many times do I avoid someone in the grocery store to protect myself from an uncomfortable conversation? Do I actually pick up the phone and make that call when God puts someone on my heart? It is easy to measure our inclusion of others by the ways we do include them while skirting around the ways we exclude others. The child in all of us worries about being picked last for kickball or not receiving an invitation to that birthday party. The child in our adult hearts prays we will be included not left out and excluded.

A friend of mine is good at planning gatherings with groups that enjoy one another. I like when everyone moves from seat to seat to converse with people around the room. That is why a home party is better than a restaurant. There is the ability to chat with everyone not just the person sitting next to me. 

I am not good at having groups of people at my home but I do love having one or two friends over for coffee and to catch up. But the truth is that I think of so many people that I would love to spend time with but I just don’t make it happen. It doesn’t mean that they are not in my thoughts but I don’t take the action required to get together. Our little town is small with one grocery store. You would think I would run into those people and at least have a mini interaction. But I can live in my small town and not see someone for years. That always fascinates me. 

So this year am I going to make a list like Ronnie B did with his breakfast list and be intentional about getting together with those who claim a piece of my heart if not a spot on my calendar? I hope so. Ron has his breakfast list so we intentionally go to breakfast on Saturdays with people. I love that. 

Including others matters. The golden rule in the Bible is worth repeating in the New Testament. My wrist tattoo of 1 Corinthians 16:14 let love and kindness be the motivation in all you do is a reminder for me to lead with love and include others. Rules are meant to be followed not broken so this year I am going to try my best to create a coffee list of those I with to include and hope to actually invite them into conversation. If you don’t hear from me, call me. I love to be included too.

In Him,

Joyful

1–8-26