The Shepherd and I moved about 9 months ago. At the time I did not think it would be hard to get connected in the new community. I assumed the church would have active functioning groups that I would quickly connect to. I have been surprised at how difficult it has been.
This weekend we will have the opportunity too see some friends from the previous congregation. I am very excited to see them. I was not particularly close to this couple, but I have known them for over a decade. We don’t have much in common — except a love for God and for His church in ____________. Hearing about the vitality of that congregation will be exciting. It will be fun to hear about the people we love. There will be some sadness in hearing about what we left, but more fun in hearing of success. Perhaps the most encouraging will be to hear names I know, and stories I understand. I never understood the value of the familiar.
I had romanticized the new as being exciting. I had thought I would thrive in the challenge of building something new. But the truth is I haven’t enjoyed the new or found it exciting. Instead, I have longed for the known and familiar.
I’m looking forward to seeing them too!