Made For It.

I was made for relationship.  I’ll show you why,

To start...

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”  -Genesis 2:18

And then in Ezra...

When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. -Ezra 3:1 

There were 42,360 in the whole assembly. Plus 7,337 male and female servants. And 200 male and female singers.  [why they weren't considered as part of the assembly I'm not sure...?]  All gathering as one man.  Dang. That's a lot of people. Together. Close together.

And then in Acts...

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. -Acts 2:1

And then he has them all speaking, communicating with one another. He brings them together through language. Albeit the fact that they don't actually speak the same language. Amazing, no?

And all who believed were together and had all things in common.-Acts 2:44
And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God-Acts 2:42
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.-Acts 4:31-32

And then in my life...
It seems I forget just how important being 'together' with people is to my well-being.  How much it adds to this rise and fall of my chest.

Experience one:
Family friends stopped over for an impromptu meeting.  They’ve known me since I was a baby.  As we sat in the living room sharing stories and happenings, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  It was surprisingly refreshing.  I realized how much I had been missing social interactions like this.  Being in a larger group.  Just visiting.  Something you dread as a child-sitting around with your parent’s friends-was the best time I’d had in weeks.

Experience two:
Lunch.  Sunday.  Best friend.  AMEN.  I haven’t had quality time like that with Meg in awhile.  While we munched on french fries, sipping orange juice and coffee, we shared about family and friends, life and living.  And while that might seem like a strange mixture of breakfast and lunch, it was just what I needed off the menu.  I can’t thank you enough Meg for your friendship.  You are the true definition of a faithful friend.  A friend who is consistent, despite my consistent inconsistency.

Experience three:
Ryan and Kendra.  I spent most of my high school years with these two.  And unfortunately, very little time since.  Despite the latter, being at their house felt like being at home.  They are an incredible example of what it looks like to glorify God in the face of great trial. Psalm 119:74 says, “Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word”-I see you Ryan and Kendra, and I rejoice.  Because of your hope in the promises of God.  [Please Definitely] Check out their blog for more on that, because selfishly, I just want to highlight the gift of their friendship.  Albeit so much time apart, being welcomed in and feeling loved and known and comfortable with them, was a such a blessing.  Another wonderful reminder.

All three of these interactions happened within just twenty-four hours.  Apparently God wanted to really drive this point home- between reading His word and blessing me with the tangible experiences of the importance of friendship.  That I am indeed made for relationship.  Clearly with others, and most especially, with Him.