During the month of October I’m joining The Nester’s 31 Day Challenge and writing “31 Days to Building Community”. I’m passionate about building relationships and growing in community together. To see all the posts in the series click here.
Sometimes all it takes to be a part of building community it to say yes. Maybe there have been events or activities that are available to you, or that you were specifically invited to that you are missing out on just by choosing not to go.
I have mentioned before that I can be a pretty shy person, so joining in isn’t always the easiest thing for me to do. But when Harrison and I got married I found out that he loved to say yes to every opportunity. Visitor’s dinner at a new church? YES. Going to lunch with people that we hardly know? YES. Going to a community group on the very first day we visit a church? YES.
Now, I LOVE this about him, and the best part about it was that I really didn’t mind going as long as he was with me. He gave me the comfort I needed to be able to confidently walk into a new group of people, and knowing that he’s such a good conversationalist that it would be just fine.
Then he started encouraging me to say yes to things on my own. Meeting about being on worship team? YES. Ladies’ Night Out Dinner? YES.
So I started to say yes and not automatically assume I was “too shy” to go, or that “I wouldn’t know anyone and it would be uncomfortable”. And you know what? It has been great. And if I hadn’t just stepped out and gone to some of these events I really would have missed out.
Side Note: This is NOT a post to say that you have to say YES to every opportunity and fill your schedule and commitments beyond your limits! This is just to say that if your default is to say “No” because it might be awkward or you might not know anyone, to start saying “Yes” and putting yourself in a situation to meet new people and build relationships.
If you really are shy and afraid, do what I did. Find one friend that you know will be attending and plan to go together, that way you know that you know at least one person and it can make you more comfortable.
Is your default to say YES or NO? When have you gone to an event or activity that you might not have really wanted to that turned out to be a great experience??
No related posts.
I am really enjoying your series and yet I don’t feel I’m getting the most out of it. I’ve earmarked it to come back to – I’m thinking it will be really good for me to read in December/January when we start looking at the new year ahead. SO many of the things you’ve expressed have floated around in my head for years – some I’ve acted on, some I haven’t and maybe now might be a right time. So I just wanted to pop in to say – I’m glancing over, enjoying, and wanting to come back! Thanks.
Love this post. My default is to say yes. I’ve really been trying to guard that. Some yeses are definitely God directed, but some are distractions. Stopping by from 31 days. Blessings!