Life is about people. We rub shoulders with those around us—we work together, maybe worship together, live together as families. For most, our interactions with others are many. Even if we are not mobile, there still may be opportunities to text or chat on the phone.
We need each other.
When my husband Daniel and I lived in West Virginia, our home was in a small community near the Ohio border. Our desire was more than just to know our neighbors casually, we wanted to get to know them on a more personal level. So we began a Dee Street Meet and Greet gathering once a year at our home. We provided the location, dinnerware, and drinks, and everyone brought whatever they desired—desserts, breads, entrees, veggies—there was always a nice variety of foods to choose from.
Our young adult neighbor did the invitations and waited for the RSVPs to come in. As we gathered, we opened with prayer, and then visited with each other as we spread out among our various rooms to enjoy the food and fellowship. And before anyone left, we gathered to take a group picture which we then posted on Facebook.
This gathering allowed those who were newer to become acquainted with the seasoned residents on our street. For others, it was a time to fellowship with neighbors for several hours in a relaxed setting, spending quality time together connecting. This became a yearly event and a time of bonding.
When my husband and I joined a small group playing pickleball at a nearby Baptist Church, we asked if we could gather on our scheduled ball night close to New Year’s Eve and have a small social prior to the game night. Again, what a joy it was to get to know others better.
Now, four years after moving from West Virginia to southern Illinois, we’ve reached out to our neighbors and our church family, inviting them to attend a cookout at our place. My husband extended the invitations as we drove door-to-door, visiting more than two dozen homes near our farm. In the written invitation, he mentioned that waves and smiles were great as we passed each other on the road, but that to meet them in person would be extra special.
In the midst of a tornado watch, rain sprinkles, extreme heat, and strong winds, we decided to move the event indoors to a finished building on our farm. But what was extra special about this June party was the ending, when Daniel suggested we close with a hymn. Amazing Grace was chosen, and that brought about more suggestions of songs, so we sang hymns acapella for some time. It sounded beautiful!
Do you know that we have also been extended an invitation to come? Many invitations, actually. “‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Matthew 11:28–29).
Revelation 3:20–21 extends the invitation to enjoy time with Him. Jesus says, “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’”
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).
Jesus invites us to a forever friendship. Imagine being together with Him, enjoying His love and the conversation that flows from His lips to our ears. Today is a wonderful time to accept our Savior’s invitation to rest, to be in fellowship with Him—to come!
