Better Together

Much of my posts in the past have had to do with finding peace and serenity in life.  I have found these things in my Spiritual practices which include meditation and prayer.  Both of these I prefer to do in solitude and on my own.  This past weekend reminded me of how it is sometimes best to include others.

Pastor Paul and I headed out early Friday morning for a road trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan to celebrate worship at Mars Hill Bible Church.  I have been a follower of Rob Bell and the Mars Hill activity for about five years now.  It began with reading "Velvet Elvis", one of Rob Bell's books about the church and its role in serving Christ.  I have wanted to visit Mars Hill since reading this book the first time.  Passing the book on to Pastor Paul, he became a fan and we included Rob's NOOMA series videos in our services over Lent last year.  Since Paul is on a sabbatical and working to redevelop our outreach vision.  I finally had my opportunity.

The worship service was very different for this Lutheran.  Celebrated in "The Shed", a converted big box store in a mall, we started with a varied mix of music led by a dynamic music group.  An inspiring message from Shane Hipps followed and that was it.  No liturgy, Lords Prayer or communion.  A very different, yet awesome worship experience.  

Had we not had the experience together, it would have been hard to describe to Paul what my feelings really were.  We spent many of our travel hours discussing what to do with what we had witnessed.  Thoughts flowed and ideas were tossed back and forth like a tennis match.  It is hard to play tennis, or any other game by yourself.

One of the things that I have learned over the past four years is that when we try to do life alone, it just doesn't work well.  It's too hard and we soon get lost in our aloneness.  Try going to the movies alone,  or dining alone.  God made life to work better together.  When we live in community with one another, we share the burdens that life gives us and celebrate successes so much better together.  Life is never more complete than when you do it in relationship.

Share your life.  Don't just let Jesus be your personal Savior,  share Him with everyone!