Going Dark
It was a crazy week that concluded with a full Friday. A basketball game, a trip to another two car dealerships, and a quick bite to eat made it 10:00pm before I arrived home. No worries – Annika had until 11:30pm before she had to be dropped off for a bus ride to a Young Life weekend. She had a packing list and I was checking in periodically to make sure she was making progress. Worst case scenario, if she had not completed any of my expectations, I could help her get packed in thirty minutes.As I walked into the house, I could feel her anxiety. She was going to be on a bus for 7 hours with students who she passed in the hall at school, but who had not yet developed to the point of being friends. As a new student at school this year, she has learned that it takes time for friendships to grow. She was nervous. She had showered, shaved, and straightened her hair for a bus ride through the night. I guess I had even shared her anxiety as I found myself driving to Academy Sports at 9:45pm to grab her a pair of leggings, knowing she was concerned that she didn’t know what the other girls would be wearing.She texted shortly after the ride started. She was the only one on the bus with two seats. Awesome if you want to sleep. Not so awesome if you long to build relationships. As the sun peaked through my curtains the next morning, she was the first thing on my mind. How did the ride go? I sent a quick text. Her reply:“Just got there. I love you. We are about to lose our phones so goodbye.”I smiled and took a deep breath. She is going dark for over 48 hours. She took the risk and we invested the money because friendship matters. As I think about Annika, I realize that even as grown women we can relate to that strong desire to belong and be able to be yourself among friends. How many women in the life of Highpoint long to feel more connected? How many long for acquaintances to become true friends? Our Getaway 2015 will be a risk for many.I have prayed over Annika’s weekend. I have asked for the Lord to strategically orchestrate friendships and roommates. She will spend more time with these girls this weekend than she would the rest of the school year combined. I have asked the Lord to encourage her and use this to propel her forward in her sense of belonging. I cannot control what happens, but I know at the very least she will hear God’s Word and have truth spoken into her life. The Lord will not fail her this weekend.As women, sometimes we hide behind our responsibility to avoid feeling vulnerable. I have done this a thousand times. Can I encourage you? Take a risk. Many who follow my blog are connected to Highpoint. If you aren’t registered because it’s easier not to go than to do something unfamiliar, I encourage you to know that my same prayers for Annika are being prayed over you. May God use Getaway 2015 to propel you forward in your love for Him and your connection to the body of Christ.Click here to find out more information and to register. twitter | facebook