Jim and Carol were new Life Group leaders and had no clue what they were doing. They had been planning to lead a new group for quite a while and were just about to have their first meeting on Monday at 6:30pm. The first topic had been chosen, the lesson was planned out and Jim and Carol were ready for a vibrant discussion with their new community of friends. Drinks and a delicious dessert were prepared and waiting on the kitchen table and the discussion room was ready to go, complete with an "open chair" for that extra person that just might show up. Carol even lit a few candles to set the mood and had some spiritual music playing in the background. Jim and Carol were leaders on a mission. They were ready to go! Yet they had no clue what they were doing.
They sat in anticipation as the clock struck 6:30pm. They both looked toward the door, expecting the group of 12 people to appear together, eager to begin a new spiritual journey. 6:30 came and went. 6:35 and Jim looked at Carol and then back at the door. 6:45. 6:50. 6:51. 6:52. Then, like music to their ears, the doorbell rang at exactly 6:53. They both rushed to the door, excited to greet the much expected group of people. The door swung open, Jim and Carol stood with broad smiles, only to see one person. Not the large group they expected, but one woman standing on their front porch. One person.
"Hey there!" Jim said with a confused tone in his voice. "Is there anyone else with you?"
"No, just me." the woman answered. "Can I come in?"
"Well, sure!" Carol responded, looking at Jim with shared confusion.
All three of them walked into the kitchen, exchanged more greetings and began to enjoy the dessert prepared for at least 12 people. The woman introduced herself as Jennifer, and Jim and Carol introduced themselves as well. They made small talk for a few minutes and then Jennifer excused herself to use the restroom. Once the door closed, Jim looked at Carol and rolled his eyes and whispered. "This sucks! All that preparation and one person shows up! Why did we get into this in the first place?"
"Shhh! Do you want her to hear you? Let's just make the best of it, OK?"
"Whatever!" Jim said under his breath and they both smiled as Jennifer came back into the room. They had no clue what they were doing.
"We were expecting at least 12 people." Jim chuckled. "I wonder what happened to everyone. I made calls this weekend, and everyone said that they would be here. But I don't recall you being on my list, Jennifer. How did you hear about the group?"
"Well, I just joined the church and really wanted to get involved in a small group. Your small group pastor said that you were beginning a new group, so I thought it would be a great time to visit. I just went through a difficult divorce and moved to the area last month. Both my boys are in college, so I'm kind of on my own now. Never thought that I would be starting over. I'm beginning a new job and things have been a little stressful to say the least. I haven't worked in 21 years. I was in a small group for years before my husband left. I knew this was what I needed, but I was a little scared. It's hard for me to meet new people by myself. I was always the quiet one in my marriage. Thanks for being here for me." Jennifer began to cry. "I'm sorry that no one else showed up; but for me, I'm actually glad that no one else is here."
After spending some time in prayer, mostly for Jennifer, Jim and Carol opened their eyes, looked at each other and smiled. They realized that they're priorities just might have been a little screwed up. Being there for Jennifer is exactly why they wanted to start a small group in the first place. It wasn't about the number of people. It wasn't about the study, the food or the setting they had prepared. At that moment, they realized that nothing else mattered except Jennifer.
"Thanks for being here for ME". One person. Three people joining together. A small group.
Mission accomplished for Jim and Carol, and a very successful beginning of their new group. Thank God that they had no idea what they were doing.
No comments:
Post a Comment