I had the incredible opportunity to visit and speak at the church I grew up in yesterday.

As I gave an in-depth YL update, I looked over the crowd and thought – “What an incredible group of folks!”

They have been with our family through thick and thin, and supported our work in YL by both their prayers, finances and friendship.

We were overwhelmed with thanks for these incredible relationships over the years as we drove from the parking lot.

A bit later in the afternoon, I realized that I had missed a huge opportunity to invite even more people into this organic and every growing story. I should have called all my aunts and uncles, invited friends of my parents and other people who are involved not only with YL, but with our lives.

Each of those people could have spent a bit of life with the fine folks at Alger Park Church, shared a cup of coffee or a quick story. They have so much in common. Faith & Us.

Listen to the story. Engage in the story. Be changed by the story.

Come and see. Come and hear. Come and be.

Next time, I will. I will be more thoughtful of who to personally invite to gatherings like this. Their lives will never be the same if I make that type of choice.

Whether you are in business, ministry, a stay at home parent, work in a factory, or are retired, there is a good chance that there is someone in your life that needs to be involved with what you are up to. They long to be involved with what you are up to.

What is on your schedule this upcoming week? Who else might you invite in the fray with you? Who needs an injection of life that you might be able to provide?

May each of us be inviters this week!

Here we go!

This is what I’m thinking about today:

• How do I verbalize to high school kids that the Gospel is a person, not a story? (Reading Speaking of Jesus – Carl Medearis).
• Wondering what I will learn from my friend Sam today, and also what ‘my plenty’ is and how I can offer that to our friendship. (II Cor. 8:14).
  • Who is a friend, customer, donor, family member that you need to connect with today? Give them a call – your life and their life will be better for it.
• Why do people still buy and eat canned meat? I love it! Octopus, sardines, smoked oysters. Fresh is usually best, but meat in a can is something that still sells. We must pay attention to the ways of the past as we innovate the things of the future. What really works? What motivates my desire to re-create? There are some things that do not need innovation or re-creation. I vow to listen to those that have gone before me, to ask real questions and not to create unless there is a direct need.
  • Where are you attempting to create? Does the world want or need that project? Do people want or need that project? If the answer is “no” then stop!