Kate Motaung writes: “….one thing I’ve never regretted is choosing to include other people in my life. Even if relationships get messy sometimes, even when some become high maintenance, the Lord always, always uses other people for good in my life — whether it’s through direct encouragement, or through sanctifying me in areas I lack, like patience, compassion, selflessness, and empathy.
As I look back over the intricate web of relationships that God has spun all around me, I’m so grateful for the many ways He has blessed me with the gift of being part of His body.
It is no small thing to be part of the body of Christ.”
Kate is the organizer of Five Minute Fridays–a place for writers to write for 5 minutes on a given word. I’ve done this type of blogging for several years. Sometimes I include it weekly in my life, and sometimes I am off of blogging altogether. I feel it is important to include devotionals about faith in God, hope in Christ, and realistic applications of scripture into our lives.
Our lives include so much turmoil and highs and lows. This is normal. I try to include others into our circle of friends. I am very sensitive to feeling left out. I was the shy kid who had only 1-3 close friends and lots of fringe people that I knew through my childhood/school age days. Now, these “fringe friends” are those people you include among your Facebook friends, Instagram, and Twitter followers.
I am more of a friend than a follower. I try to include new people into my life because I feel that the Holy Spirit leads me to some people. Often in return, they include me in their friendship and fill spaces that I need filled: exercise buddies, bus stop/neighborhood moms, mom friends with kids that go to school with our sons, and members of our church.
God said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the rules for the Passover: No foreigners are to eat it. Any slave, if he’s paid for and circumcised, can eat it. No casual visitor or hired hand can eat it. Eat it in one house—don’t take the meat outside the house. Don’t break any of the bones. The whole community of Israel is to be included in the meal.
Perhaps as the scripture talks about inclusion in Bible days, we also can include family or friends into our meals this weekend. After all, Mother’s Day is tomorrow. Are you ready for that? Not me. Still figuring out what tomorrow will look like. One day at a time is my mode this week.
Now, my five minutes of writing are up! It is time to include a shower, new clothes, and carve out time for my family today. I’m a day late to the #FMFParty, but I did include my contribution here. It helps me to write.
Please comment here on these questions: Do you include writing in your life?
Do you include friends or family into your days?
How to you use hospitality or prayer to include friends?
Happy Weekend!
Sincerely,
JKC
Jennifer K Cook 
It’s no small thing to be a part of the body of Christ. I needed to hear this today. Thank you. Visiting you from the journeys in grace link up. laurensparks.net
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Love this and Kate’s words at the beginning. Happy Mother’s Day!
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