²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24
 
“I’m with you.”  No matter where we end up, no matter what comes next, I’m with you.  How comforting would that be to hear?  To know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you will not have to face today (or tomorrow) alone.
 
There are two sides to anothering.  One side is serving others.  No longer on the sidelines, we are called to volunteer, to encourage, to make meals, to ring bells, to work KidZone, and to use our talents and gifts to benefit the Body and glorify God in the process.  Serving is essential for anothering.
 
Side two is the journey.  Think of the term “doing life” with one another.  The Early Christians were an excellent example of this.  Sharing what they had, eating meals together, text threads… wait, how did that get in there?  You get the idea.
 
“I’m with you” is a great way to think of “doing life” with someone.  Where you go, I’ll go.  Need to talk?  I’m here.  Power tools?  I’ve got them.  Why are you upset?  Sit down and tell me.
 
I pray you are challenged by this series and the choices you make that bring you closer to or further away from others.  I pray that God will send someone to speak into your life in a powerful way, whether by example, relationship, or words.  I pray that Holy Spirit will move in your heart and illuminate opportunities for connection.
 
I worked with Alan Dodd for several years at PJHS.  I reconnected with him while Marea and I were at Victory Life.  I had the honor of playing at his wife’s funeral last year.  He was there with his newsie cap and bright smile, but there was a line of people that wanted to talk to him.  I left after playing… and had the honor of playing at his funeral this past Saturday.
 
I should have made time to see him that day.  If I knew he would pass a couple months later, I would have.  As humans we don’t have that luxury.  Anothering is more that getting in the game, it’s listening.  Who is Holy Spirit telling you to reach out to?  Haven’t heard from _________ in a while?  They haven’t heard from you either.  Send a text.
 
The old me would internalize guilt and wish for yesterday.  Nowadays, I’m trying something new.  I prayed for his family as I played piano.  I played all his favorite hymns, not as an attempt to make amends, but as a way to honor his well-lived life.  Life is too short for condemnation.
 
God is with you.  He is for you in every way imaginable.  He wants you to get where He wants you to go MORE than you want to get where He wants you to go!  How can you another?  What is God saying to you today?  Are you listening?  Every day is an opportunity and we’re in this together!
 
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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