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From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Need a New Friend?"
Raise your hand if you’d like to make a new friend! Believe it or not, not everyone is raising a hand. Some of us don’t want new friends, for a variety of legitimate reasons. Others of us are thrilled by the idea of making new friends, but it is not the primary goal of our everyday activities. However, I know a few people who could make friends with a brick wall…No matter where they go, they return with a whole list of new people and fun things to do with their new friends.
I’m guessing that most of us fall somewhere in between the two extremes of no friends versus named brick walls. Whatever our opinion, it’s helpful to remember that God creates all kinds of different people. It takes all of us to make things work. So, yes, though I’m trying to give us introverts a way out of uncomfortable positions (by excusing our lack of friend-making ability), life has taught us that building relationships is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves.
So, as we begin building our list of things “to do” in 2023, let’s consider making a new friend or two this year. Oh, sure, I know we can’t magically conjure friendships, but we can take steps that make it possible. One of the best opportunities to develop relationships is participation at a church. Since most of the time, we gravitate towards people who have common interests, the church provides a place where almost everyone has at least one thing in common: the desire to become a better person.
Trivial? No, not really. The desire to become better is more than just a personality trait. It’s a life goal and driving purpose that leads us to good places, assists us with accountability and introduces us to people who are seeking the same. Does theology matter? No, it shouldn’t. The church is not supposed to be a place that forces us to think like everyone else. The church is supposed to be a place that helps us develop a new/better/healthier relationship with God and other people.
I’m so pleased to be able to serve a chapel family that seeks to welcome other people and build relationships as its’ primary function. Sure, we are striving diligently to develop our relationship with God, but if you’re not here, we’re missing a friend.
Try to make a new friend this year! If you’re looking for a place to do it, The Chapel is the perfect place to start!
God Bless.
Brock
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