People Need People

I was on an airplane that was landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport last week, around 1 p.m. As I looked out of my window at the gorgeous kaleidoscope of colors on the trees for as far as my eyes could see, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation going on in the row ahead of me. There was a very young child and his parent, who were also peering intently out of the tiny window. He wasn’t noticing the colors, but instead kept  

Renee Kurtz

​asking his mom what that “big black thing is racing across the ground”. It took her a minute, but she finally figured out what he was asking. The shadow of the plane was off to our right, and as we drew closer and closer to the ground, it grew larger and larger by the second, coming closer to us.  When the plane's wheels touched the runway, the shadow was no longer visible, as it had become one with the plane.

For someone who doesn’t credit herself with a lot of deep thinking, I had quite a philosophical discussion going on in my head.  Was God the plane, or was God the shadow?  Was God the constant, and I was the one always racing to keep up and discover the path that He has for me, striving to be right where He designed me to be? Or was God the shadow constantly running after me, no matter how many times I went off the path that He would have chosen for me? 

Regardless of which scenario I chose, I ultimately realized that when the two pieces come together, there is a sense of peace. And harmony, for a musical thinker like myself :-)  It’s a good feeling to enjoy where you are, the people you are with, and the environment that surrounds you. It took our small group a few meetings to adjust to one another and find our rhythm, but now it’s like walking into a group of old friends and picking up right where we left off.  Invaluable in good times, as well as those times when you need a friend. Or maybe seven friends. 

I have the opportunity to socialize with many people at church.  I think I’m supposed to be working, but there’s never a shortage of laughter in the arenas I get to be a part of, and even though it’s just once a week, we bring a lot to the lives of each other.  The wisdom that comes from the back row of the choir, whether you request it or not, is truly inspiring. And the banter back and forth in the handbell room is nothing short of a hoot.  The wide age range in both places makes it even better.  I see all of my groupies talking to each other, hanging out by the coffee, responding to my weekly emails, and making plans to do a variety of activities. This is what a church family is supposed to look like.  

HOWEVER … all of that to say this.  I receive a lot of comments from people who don’t attend events because they don’t feel like they fit in or don’t know anyone. Taking the first step is always awkward. I preach this to my 10 and 11-year-olds at school daily. People need people.  Old or young. The number of people I’ve met in church by turning around in my pew and telling them they need to join the choir is pretty impressive. Steve never knows what to do with me, but it always turns out well, LOL!  And a lot of them do choose to sit behind us again. Even if it’s just a simple “Good Morning! Are you going to go grab a doughnut?” Don’t hesitate to say the words.  It could be the difference between someone walking out the side door and talking to no one, or someone making connections in the coffee line and joining the choir.

Happily connected to you!

In His Name, Renee