Thursday, October 4, 2012

Welcome To My World

It's time for Five Minute Friday where a flash mob of writers join to write purely for the joy of it and then share our thoughts over at Lisa-Jo's. Today's word?
Welcome
It's what I do every Tuesday night at our young adults service. But it's what I'm learning to do every day. It's more than a word.

It's a smile, a conversation. It's remembering some one's name and pronouncing it correctly. It's listening.

It means pushing past immediate feelings to connect with others. Making them feel loved and worthy should be my number one goal. Host well, no matter where I am. Include everyone. Develop a servant's heart.

It's making my home, my office a place where people feel safe and comfortable. It's making my attitudes and actions reflect the One Who desires to welcome people into an eternal family.

Most of all, it's loving when a person is beyond lovable. And listening when I would rather be anywhere else. Because it isn't about me. Never has been. But too often I forget that.

I've been welcomed into too many groups and communities to count. I've learned what it looks like to include, and I've learned what it doesn't look like. I've also learned that it starts with me. I may welcome someone to my day without welcoming them to my life. If I'm not careful, we will share a moment in time and not a life-changing memory. It hinges on my choice to allow them past the surface level smile to my heart. Such a tough thing. I have to welcome them to all of me - my struggles, victories, the people I love most, and my weird quirks.

A welcome is just the beginning of building a deeper bond. And I firmly believe that we weren't created for surface level interactions. May I settle for a deeper welcome - one that makes an impact!

18 comments:

  1. Love this! We do ours on MOnday and oh yes the bonds that grow are fabulous!!!

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  2. Going deep! So important. I feel most welcome in the places where people truly and deeply care about others. Thanks for sharing! Happy Friday!

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  3. Thanks for welcoming us all here! What a blessing you must be to those you "welcome"!

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  4. You have no idea how welcoming it is for someone to have their name pronounced correctly. I never thought that 'joy' was a hard name to pronounce, but I've been called Jo-ey and worse, Joe...and we won't even start on my last name...it makes me want to run the other direction and never return, because they couldn't even *try* to pronounce my name. Especially as a teenager.

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  5. So true. I've lived too long with surface level relationships. I'm ready to fellowship with people who want to dig deep. Good thoughts!

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  6. "And I firmly believe that we weren't created for surface level interactions." Amen, Amen, AMEN! I 1000% agree. :)


    I truly dislike surface for too long. I ache for deep. For connection. One of my favorite things about this life and it's interactions is true, unmasked conversation with another. Learning about who they are. Where they've traversed. Finding out pieces that make the whole. It's one of the most stunningly beautiful things to witness in this life. And I know I've found treasure when I'm allowed those moments.


    So well worded Kariss. I've missed catching up. Were you at the #FMFparty last night? I missed the 2 weeks before. I hope to stay up to date. Have a terrific week. :)

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  7. "A welcome is just the beginning of a deeper bond" I love that, picturing it as an invitation to the more to come.
    Stopping by from Five Minute Friday.

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  8. Yes this----> "If I'm not careful, we will share a moment in time and not a life-changing memory." We have to work at it, don't we? But when we do our lives are changed. Lovely.

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  9. I love this ----> "I may welcome someone to my day without welcoming them to my life. If I'm not careful, we will share a moment in time and not a life-changing memory. It hinges on my choice to allow them past the surface level smile to my heart."

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  10. Definitely have to work out it. But the rewords far out weigh the awkward moments! Thanks for reading!

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  11. No I didn't make it to the party! And man, it sounds like we are on the same page. I can't do surface level for very long. Give me a little depth! Glad you are able to come around this week! Welcome back!

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  12. Take the dive! It's not easy, but it is so worth it! Right there with you!

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  13. Ha my name is mispronounced on a daily basis. I still have coworkers who say it wrong. I recognize the value of caring enough about the other person to know how to say their name. It's the little things!

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  14. I'm so glad you visited! Come back any time!

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  15. I'm always amazed at what God does. Thanks for coming back, Alene!

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