First Church of God

After a pizza party and some fun in the snow, we're back in the tabernacle.  God's presence is so real among us as we worship.  Then we take a look at the strings that hold us back relationally.  I share stories of my own struggles in middle school with being shy… 

Ah yes, the pretty girl I sat next to in band.  I think she liked me.  I use to catch her staring across her trumpet at me.  But I was so shy I never said a word to her.   

And then there was the fact that I was too shy to try out for choir.  I wanted to sing, but I missed out on two years of choir because I was a wimp, too afraid to do the hard thing.

 Even now, reaching out to people is a challenge for me.  As I share my own struggles, I look at the faces of so many kids who are hanging on these words.  They are right where I was.

So we learn the basics of meeting new friends and connecting with people... 6 connections (eyes, smile, greet, hand, name, ask).  We have fun practicing all these steps to connect.  The room is buzzing with the business of making new friends, and their level of confidence climbs each time they meet and make a new friend.

Lord, You are here, right in the middle of all this relationship building.  It’s not a direct spiritual message about you, and still it is all about You.  I have to think You are smiling at what is happening in this Tabernacle.  Your children are learning to like each other.   They are breaking out of their shy shells.