chasing rabbits

Small groups are fun, aren't they? I know the one that Karen and I attend is. I enjoy it because I get to sit and listen to what others think when it comes to talking about a passage in the Bible. I enjoy the laughter (and there is a lot in this group), the food (most excellent), the prayers, and the discussions. Most of the time David will read a passage, help us to understand what the writer was trying to get across, and then the group starts to ask questions and we begin to see how this passage relates to all of us; sitting around in someones house. This small group is not any different than other small groups. I'm sure that if I were to ask each person that attends one of these groups, I would hear some familiar tales. Everyone would probably talk about the "food", "fun", and "fellowship"; and all that is great. But, I was reminded by my small group the other week about something very important that happens within a small group......this is a place to be encouraged.
Our group is going through a study of Proverbs, and during one of our "rabbit chases" through the scripture, they stumbled across a moment that lifted this time of study to a time of reflection, remembrance, and encouragement. I really don't know what started the "rabbit chase", but I enjoyed every minute of it. We were going from one thought to another, and before you could catch your breath........the "rabbit" headed in another direction. Everyone was in on the "chase".....incredible fun, and total encouragement for me. Somewhere during the "chase", the topic shifted to remembering the first time each person stepped foot into HRCC. They would all share about how they can still remember what Ray was speaking about; how he would sit down beside them and talk to them before the service; how welcomed that they had felt that first time.... and how they still feel that way. The "rabbit" led them to tell about how much they each love the church, and how real the presence of God is in the services and with the people, and how excited they all are in seeing the church moving forward, and it went on, and on........and my heart........ my spirit........

The best part of blogging is that you can't see me while I am reliving that night in my head, and trying to put it on a screen. You can't hear my heart pounding, nor do you have any idea how blurred this page is to me right now. I would just like to thank my small group for a time of encouragement that could not have come at a better time. This was one time of "chasing rabbits" that I will not soon forget.
And I am sure, that if you are reading this as a member of HRCC, you probably can remember when you first came here to a service; the greeters; the welcome; the music; the message; the volunteers; the Kids Club; the skits; the videos; the props on stage.............and if you are like me............there goes a "rabbit".