In Gratitude

It is a blissful thing to be part of a group.

To know the ebb and flow that comes with personalities meshing and clashing, the strength and struggle in reaching a decision as a whole.
To have people join you in the heartache and hopefulness that is working through a job you're not sure how to do.
To laugh in amusement when you begin to realize each person has their own way to grow and work through problems, and it's not the way you would do it.
To sigh in disappointment and then smile with relief when you recognize someone else has stepped in where you have fallen short.
To be aggravated with those who are different, then grow to appreciate and love that they can do so many things better than you can.
To be challenged, broken, shown your faults, then built back up again in a more complete way.
To truly understand that together, in community, as individuals working in unison, as brothers and sisters, we represent the body of Christ.

To those of you who were part of that group that I spent my Tuesday nights with this year, thank you. I have been challenged, and gotten mad, and been taught, and enjoyed myself greatly.

To anyone else reading, know that being a part of something like this is a blessing you should not lightly choose to forgo.