We have been in an awesome series at church the past few weeks of Being in Christ’s Entourage. Quite a few of the topics have been amazingly direct at how change happens once you join Christ’s Entourage. Today was about the reconciliation that happens after change. The challenge at the end was to think of people that you might possibly have an issue with – might possibly have friction with – and find ways to be the first person to ask for forgiveness. Asking in the – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – way. I went to both services. The first service I came up with two names that I no longer have fellowship with. One is a family member – who refuses our calls – the other was a sister friend in town that will not accept any forms of apology or request for reconciliation. Those two were easy – they are out of my hands. I’m totally willing to restore friendship – and have repeatedly tried – to no avail. I invited two sets of friends to church and they both showed up to the second service – so I stuck around to befriend them. It was in the second service that a couple more names popped into mind. We arn’t really estranged – but I feel uncomfortable around them. I don’t know what to say. I’d do the thing of not being in the same room at the same function – just to ease my uncomfortable – ness. I really saw how silly that is today. So – in the do unto others part – of reconciling how I’d want to be approached – I picked up some pansies today – a favorite of mine – and I think I’ll write a nice note of friendship – and apology for allowing the space to develop – and the desire to resume a friendship. One for a neighbor and one for a co-teacher. I didn’t start out today fretting or thinking of the dis-fellowship of these two great ladies – nor have I spent any thought on negative thoughts towards them at all. – I think that’s why I hold church attendance so highly. Where else are you going to be presented with the Word – to challenge you to live more like how Christ would desire – while following after him? I could write out pages from my sermon notes from the last few weeks – but I"m still chewing on them and pondering the scriptures and following through with the challenges. Just sharing here as to where thats led. 🙂