With Glad & Sincere Hearts

When I came to Davis, the first thing I was determined to do was work with the youth group. The only people I knew when I moved to Davis was Bryan's friends who had warmly accepted me as their own, but volunteering at the youth group was my own effort to follow God's calling and to make my own friends. And I did. I met some amazing people--kids and leaders alike.

I met Joseph, Emma, Dash, Steph, Sara, and on and on. They became part of my community--bringing with their own flavor and personality to the table.

I met Joseph, who's understanding surpasses all. I always felt that if when I was having a bad day, that it was ok to say so to Joseph. I met Gary, who has the best sense of humor and a huge heart to go with it. Emma, a free spirited woman, who puts her whole being into people and baking. Dash, so encouraging and thoughtful. Sarah, who exudes joy and also is the best at skits. She and I can banter on for hours about nothing and it be hilarious. Charlotte, her creative insight and eye for beautiful things. Steph, witty, kind, and the one that gets all of our visionary ideas into an organized movement. Sara, my co-leader, stable in character and honest to a tee. And these are just the people I first met. More came bringing their own beautiful personalities.

I've learned that something happens when you put a group of people who are passionate about ministry together. We dance. We danced all the time.

It was a celebration of living life together.

I was reading through Acts and read this passage:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."

I read this feeling thankful that [albeit a small glimpse] I am a part of something as beautiful as this passage. Dancing in celebration of something bigger. Giving freely to anyone who had a need. The breaking bread, the glad and sincere hearts, and the praising God. Not all the time. There were times when we danced when mourning needed to happen. That was a valuable lesson. And there were times when we needed to praise God and lay down our critical opinions. Another valuable lesson. Most likely, we have much more to learn, but my heart is thankful that I had you all to learn that with.

And now two of them have left and another to go this fall.

I want to encourage you guys that your community is still with you. That we are actively praying for you and excited as you become a part of another life giving community bestowing on them what you have lovingly bestowed on us. Know that each visit home will be full of glad and sincere hearts breaking bread with you.

And for those of us still here in little Davis. God is working--in us and through the lives of our high schoolers and junior highers. Let us continue to focus on the "apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" and our community will thrive.