I have always been fascinated by people~~ I love their stories, experiences, uniqueness’s, and even the challenges they may bring. Yet there is a type of behavior that I have observed; even been impacted by that I believe ought to be addressed or at least considered….
In High School students join a team, the choir, or a club….they share experiences, laughter, challenges, and responsibilities and then, for some reason or another, they withdraw from their involvement and to their surprise they experience the feeling of “Sorry, Your Not In The Club!”. Since they are no longer a participant in that group the interactions begin to become stilted, even awkward or non-existent. I watched this happen over and over in college as well.
Imagine my naive surprise when my husband and I stepped out into church ministry –serving our hearts out, watching others work and serve hard as well, only to watch the same behavior surface when we or others sensed God moving in a fresh direction. Obedience to what He desired caused many who served faithfully and selflessly to experience the feeling of “Sorry, You’re Not In The Club.” People became distant, relationships strained, and a new awkwardness set in…..
In business I have watched this apply as well; as those who have served on teams, building the goals of the Company and supporting the vision, move in a fresh direction after years of service that same awkward sense sets in once again. And I am left to wonder why?
Should we not value the times we have shared and served together? Should we not be reminded by fond memories of experiences and challenges weathered together? Should we not allow our teammates to fly free, to grow, and to chart a fresh course for their lives with the joy of knowing they will always matter to us?
I often ponder these questions! What about you? What are your thoughts on this?
As I turn to the Word of God I find true nuggets hidden in the pages!
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 20:6
Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
Proverbs 17:17
A Friend Loves at all times.
I wonder if we could stretch harder to stay connected to those who have served alongside our lives, ministries, or jobs remaining so grateful to who they have been in our lives and for all they have done whether in our church, community, or place of work!
As the silly song from a Disney movie expresses:
Boy, and as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You’re gonna see it’s our destiny
You’ve got a friend in me 🙂
Dianna Salciccioli 
Dianna – I think this is one of your best posts yet! I believe as Christians, we need to change the way we ‘value’ people. We don’t want to be one of the members of the club that hears these words ‘I never knew you’ when we stand before Him.
Thank you Alberta! I sure hear you! let’s love—-always.
i agree!! I also stretch the concept the other way: what about those who don’t yet belong to the church or a church community.. the people we work with in secular places… the people we see daily at a grocery check-stand… the people we know, but the people who don’t belong to our little church club. Recently, I feel like i can sympathize with those who are not in this club… and I am finding a new desire to allow them “equal opportunity” to experience God’s grace and gladly invite them in. “sorry, youre not in the club” is used too often and too freely, by some church members and we need to do anything we can… to teach them grace… grace that welcomes everybody at any time…. regardless of the circumstances.
i hope this makes sense.
Beautiful!! I love your rich thoughts!! I agree!!! 🙂