Tip of My Iceberg

Women’s gatherings must have space and time for conversations.

We had a retreat this past weekend to gather the women in our group for the purpose of getting to know one another better, enjoying each other’s company and encouraging each other as we do life differently.

You could feel the groundswell of interaction and fun. Conversations–light-hearted and deep. Laughter–robust and joyful. Connections–genuine and grateful.

It was a gift to be with these women. Having time with them made my heart smile.

The retreat ended on Saturday late afternoon. When most of the women left, our leadership women stayed behind.

Talking deeply. Laughing loudly.

I’ve been with some of these women for years. Others are new to the team. What we share is a passion to connect to others with the desire to help them move ahead on the path God has for them. Listening, loving, helping them recognize their value. To us. To God.

We did that for one of our leaders when everyone else left.

Allie and her husband, Gary, have been on the team almost as long as I have. They’ve been instrumental in forming how we operate as a team in ministry. They’ll be moving to Texas to be closer to family.

So we decided sending her off in style meant going boot shopping. How does anyone move to Texas without a little foot-stompin’ sole?

Seven of us were able to take Allie to the boot store. I’ve never been to a western store–and have never seen so much bling in one place that wasn’t a jewelry store. Belt buckles, jean pockets, shirts, skirts and boots. You name it, they blinged it up.

We found Allie some sassy red boots. You’ve got to have a little panache to pull off red boots. They make a statement.

“I’m gonna kick your assumptions of me to the curb!”

That’s what friends do. They don’t limit who we are because of how we’re perceived. They go the extra mile so they really get to know you.

We all need that.

Being known. Being heard. Those are significant values to all of us. In our daily lives, where busyness has been lifted as a value, relationships often get pushed to the back burner. We’ve no time. No energy. Too many pots on the burners.

Too many burners.

To find people who value you for who you are is a gift. When you’re seen as more than a label. More than a warm body filling a needed role.

God’s perspective shows how He made us with the intent to be in relationships.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”   Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Relationships aren’t always easy. They take work and perseverance.

No matter how we like to think of ourselves, no one is perfectly lovable. Or totally unlovable.

Often we look to others to choose us. Instead of stepping out and making ourselves available to be a real friend.

Take a chance. Let someone really know you.

That’s some soul-stompin’ reality that won’t kick anyone to the curb.