I wouldn't call us handy or crafty or anything else that would imply that we should be building things. But, that shouldn't keep us from trying.
And, God has given our family some very clear objectives. Some might say it's a calling. But, we are to invest in people. It's not an option for us. And, to us, investing in people often means knowing them. It sounds simple at the outset. But, when it comes down to it, it takes really intentional steps.
Here are three simple things we do to make sure we are investing in other people:
1. We create space in our calendar. This one is actually the one that trips most people up. Since we have determined this is something we must do, we make room for it. We don't over-schedule ourselves. And, we look for ways to invest in others in what we are already doing.
2. We budget for it. Yes! You can absolutely invest in other people without spending money. But, there are times when you can give more and offer more. And, we like to have room to give.
3. We invite people in. This means, we invite them into our space. It can be scary. Our home is where our guard is down, where the "real us" is seen so often. But, our hope is when people begin to see a bit of the "real us", they begin to share pieces of the "real them". I have a sneaky suspicion everyone already knows we aren't perfect, but when we let them into spaces they get to see it up close.
So, back to the building...
We have decided that often times a table is the best way to get to know someone. When you share a meal with others, there are little distractions...unless there are a ton of little kids present. And, everyone likes to eat. Well, all normal people love to eat!
So, we built a table. For people to sit around. To give people a space to share the stories of their lives. And, we built a big one. Bigger than our family needs. If we had enough chairs I think we could fit at least twenty around this twelve foot table. We built it big enough for soccer teams and small groups and neighbors and book clubs to gather around. Our daughter's soccer team and families came over this week (even though we don't have chairs yet) and we gathered chairs and benches from all over our home so we could eat together.
Also, this table isn't perfect. But, neither are the people gathered around the table. It's a real table put together imperfectly but intentionally to create a space for people to be known. It can be a terrifying experience to begin sharing ourselves with others, but it can bring about the greatest experiences of our lives.
Our hope in sharing our lives and creating spaces for others to share their lives is that the grace of God will abound. We hope to share the story of a King who loved us so much that He created space for us in His Kingdom by sending Jesus. If He was willing to go to such extreme measures for us, then we can do it for others. We can clear our schedules, spend a little more money, and create inviting spaces so others can feel loved and valued and understand how much their Creator loves them.
I cannot wait to see who sits around this table as the years pass by. We will have more stories to tell of those who have invested in our hearts and of many who experienced authentic community, maybe because of a table...
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