Little Bike Rides, Big World.

Since Sunday, Justin and I have been taking bike rides together after dinner. It started as a way to teach me how to ride a bike and get me in shape. However, Jesus has used these bike rides to take me on a very different path.

We roughly go around the same time each night. On the same 2 mile route. At first, I just focused on not dying and watching where Justin went so I didn't get lost. Now as we go, I'm discovering this wonderful community of people who live not far from us. A community of old and young. Families and couples. People who have after dinner routines too. We say hi to the same couples walking. We see the same kids playing outside. The same men doing yard work. But my favorite is the little park. Everyone is completely engaged. No one is on their phones. Everyone is interacting and participating . There is a baseball team with parents coaching. There's a group of preschool age kids with parents chasing them. Even teenagers with their boyfriends and girlfriends walk around. Different people coming to the same place to get outside and have fun.

Growing up, I lived in a neighborhood with a bunch of kids my age. We all played together until the streetlights came on. If we were lucky we even got to sneak a game of night kickball in the street. It was a tiny community of people from all different backgrounds having fun together. I loved my childhood! We moved when I was in high school. The new neighborhood wasn't as friendly. Sure, we waved to people as we drove by but I honestly don't know any of their names. My parents got to know them better than I did. We were in our house, our yard, and minded our own business. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing but it wasn't a very good thing either.

As Christians we are supposed to go out and shine our light to the world around us. How can we do that if we come home from work and hide in the safety of our houses? Social interaction that makes the biggest impact isn't over the Internet. It's face to face interactions. Becoming a part of people's routines. Getting to KNOW the people around you. Show them the love of Jesus and help make this dark world a more loving place.

I believe that starts right where we live. Even in the little 2 mile radius around our house. We have the ability to impact so many lives! Something that started off for selfish reasoning has now become much bigger than myself. I am so grateful Jesus has opened my eyes to this little world around me. I want nothing more than share His unfailing love. Praying I can be a vessel or even a mustard seed. Now, don't get me wrong I'm terrified. Scared of rejection. Scared of putting myself out there and meeting new people. I'm not what you would call a "social butterfly". I'm more of a hermit but we all know God has a sense of humor. Giving the most socially awkward and unliked person a mission to friend strangers...this should be interesting. Good thing I know HE is going to do all the work ;) on my own I would crash and burn, literally.

Sorry for the personal rant. I just really wanted to encourage anyone (if anyone even reads this) to go out and be engaged in your community. No matter how big or small. Also, if you get a chance pray for me. I'm going to need it!

Happy Wednesday
xo