Community Part 1

I met Ruben Navarrete way back when during one of my visits to the University of Arizona Navs group. When I heard, he'd married a beautiful young lady, and moved up to Portland, OR, I had to look them up. Ruben and Katrina are a light in their neighborhood. It's evident that heir love for one another, and their love for their son, Zion, is rooted in their love for God. Like most of the rest of you, when I told them how great they are, they deflected, "We don't really know what we're doing." Exactly. That means you're probably doing it. Enough of me, here's Ruben and Katrina.

Kyu Ho asked us to share about an experience we had recently as we are investing more and more time and heart into our relationships with our neighbors. We didn't really make a strategic choice to do this, but after our kiddo was born, we found that we were at home because of nap jail and bedtime routines much more than usual, and our neighbors who also have small children were too. What a blessing to have this opportunity!

We spend time together a couple times a week, talking about life, joking around, and watching the kids play (or coming over with the baby monitor after the kids are sleeping!). One afternoon a group text went out, and we joined up later on. When we told them that we hadn't been able to come earlier because we were at our community group, one of our neighbors looked at us and said "but WE'RE your community!" That was an impactful moment that showed us how much God is doing in creating a real village and community when we just show up and be available to the people around us.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:15,16