The Power of Availability
Written by Bethany Lethbridge
When you hear the words 'social get-together’ or ‘church luncheon,' what is your initial reaction? My heart quickens, and my breath catches in my chest. I have never enjoyed mingling and making small talk. It is not something that comes easy to me. I would much rather enjoy the quiet and comfort of my own home. It is safe.
However, a few years ago, the church I was attending often held luncheons following their Sunday services. One luncheon, in particular, was being held to celebrate and welcome a newly married couple to the church. The husband was Canadian, but the wife was American, and she had left her family, her home, and her job to get married. She was new to the city, and she was unable to work as she did not yet have her official residency permit.
Feeling awkward and not really knowing what to say as I sat beside her at the luncheon, I asked if she would like to get together sometime and left her with my contact information.
It was a very small beginning. I didn't even realize it was a beginning. It was just a small interaction. But that small interaction, that invitation, and her availability grew into a wonderful friendship that I didn't realize I even needed. Now, about 4 years later, that same couple is moving. And I will miss her.
If I had not reached out and made myself available for a possible friendship, and if she had not made herself available and taken me up on the offer of getting together for a coffee, the friendship we shared--and still share--would never have been.
The power of availability—of showing up, of sticking through the awkward beginnings to reap the harvest—is so important. Everyone needs community, and although everyone is not going to be part of your community, your friendship, your kindness, your 'showing up' could impact someone's life in ways you don't even know.
This Saturday, the church I am attending is beginning a new women’s group--a time for friendship and fellowship. In my own flesh, I would rather stay home, but I am going to go. Will it be easy for me? No. But I am going to do it anyway. What do you need to do? How can you make yourself available to be impacted by, or to impact someone else's life, in a positive way for the glory of God? It is not easy. But it is always worth it. We are better together./p>
Ephesians 5:15-16 - Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
