Alone?

I'm sure this comes as a shock to people who know me, but I'm an extreme introvert! I like being by myself...or at home with my wife and dogs. It's okay with me if the administrative assistant is gone, because I tend to be more productive when I am alone.

I have a tendency to have some lone-ranger characteristics...but I try hard not to fall prey to them. Why? Even though I like to be on my own, I cannot be. Jesus calls us to be in community with other brothers and sisters of the faith. Even if I can be highly productive on my own, I miss something when I don't have the perspective of others. Just today, one of my colleagues posted something on Facebook, along with a comment from another colleague. I followed the links, and found that my perspective was broadened, whether or not I agreed with them.

I am reminded that John Wesley said, near the end of his life, "The best of all is, God is with us." We are not alone - even if we serve churches where we are the only staff person. We are not alone - even if we're the only church in town. We are not alone - we are connected through the body of Christ. We are connected by God's presence in our lives. We are connected by the power of the Holy Spirit. God, in three persons, is always with us; but we are called to be with people - to make disciples of Jesus Christ...and so we can never be alone. Thanks be to God!