For a couple of months now we have been attempting to assimilate some new families into our community. The most difficult aspect of this new arrangement is the number of small children present when we meet on Thursday evenings. I had the grand idea of doing a short study on the lectionary readings each week but soon found that to be a somewhat unreasonable expectation due to the activity and needs of the children. We had forgone our weekly meal together, when the new families started attending, to provide more time for the lesson and discussion. About a month ago, Jenn and I were fortunate to meet some new friends and they were gracious enough to allow us to process the situation and they provided measured and wise responses to our concerns. We came out of that discussion knowing that we needed to start eating together as a community, once again, and allow the process to develop from there.
As we continue, we are teaching our children a valuable lesson, through our weekly dinners. It is important to allow others access to your life. Although it is difficult, messy, and at times awkward, we are showing them, simply by continuing to show up at the appointed time (or close to it) each week, that community is necessary.