Last night was special. It was just so sweet. Words are not
enough to ever show how meaningful it was to be in the same house as people who
have pushed each other, loved each other, laughed with each other, and have
been present with each other for so long. Preparing for this dinner, Kristin
and I would constantly pause in utter amazement of the life we have been given.
A golden ticket, if you will, of life with Jesus and everyone in between.
Stepping out of the planning-frenzy picture, I was able to stop and be
overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of this community I have. It was hard
to control my heart as we stood around the living room, lifting up a sweet
prayer in thanks and gratitude for the gift of Jesus’ birth and this room of
people that only exists because of that. I couldn’t help but open my eyes
(oops, guilty- open eyed pray-er) and look around to the beauty that the Lord
has put before us in each other. Both internally and externally (I mean, we
looked GOOD all dressed up!) but in everything- a fine picture of the love of a
Father, who started a good work in us and has not ever let us down. As Kristin
and I talked late into the night the evening before the dinner, we couldn’t
help but realize how big and special of a net the Lord has cast on us, and how
our lives will never be the same.
If you know me, and maybe even if you don’t, perhaps you
know about the gift I have at home. It’s a huge gift, a rare gift, and
something I never want to take for granted. It’s a gift of a net, a true net. A
net that is invisible, and was cast by our loving Savior so long ago. Perhaps
you’re confused… let me clarify.
First, let me tell you about what this net is not. This net
is not real- it is not a physical net that I have in my possession. This net is
not free, it has cost much time and intention to maintain and pursue. This net
is not something we take lightly. This net is not easily broken or snapped.
This net is not hid, it is not hard to find. This net is not used for us alone.
This net is not what saves us.
Now, let me tell you about what the net is. The net is a series of friendships, relationships,
siblings, families, leaders, and random people we meet along the way. There is
not a set number or name to the people within the net, it is always growing and
infinitely wide- just like the love of the God who has given us this life with
each other. This net started small, but the Lord kept sewing it- much to our
liking. The net has grown, and it can only grown- it can never shrink, because
once the net is cast on you- and you have experienced life within the net-
things will never be the same. You see, the net is a network of friends who
believe that we are called to love each other, in all walks and ways, as Jesus
showed us so long ago. We believe in being each other’s biggest fans, even if
we have just met. We believe that an important truth in this life is that Jesus
has come to us to bring us life, and life to the full- and that should be shown
in everything we do.
After high school graduation, it wasn’t scary to leave the
net. Well, that’s a lie, it was terrifying- because the net is comfortable and
reliable and I am known in my net. But, if you never leave the net- you never
know the world. We all knew that we were called to take our net and cast it farther-
which is why we spread across the states, making sure we doing what we are called to do and not what we feel comfortable doing. That first year away was hard but so so
sweet. The original net thickened, we learned how to love each other despite
physical distance, and we were still committed to being each others best
friends. The best part about leaving the original net was that in this time,
the net kept growing. When we come home on breaks, we introduce each other to
our new nets- and our net just grows and grows.
The best part of this net is that it is cast by Someone out
of this world, who has beautifully sewn our lives together for so long to
create a colorful, full, meaningful picture of redemption grace and joy. He has
changed our lives individually, but also through friendship with each other.
This net is a gift from God, who sent his Son to show us how to live, and left
us with His Spirit to help us weave together meaningful life day by day with
each other.
As we all sat around a living room last night, dressed to a
T, conversation buzzing and stomachs being filled, my heart was fuller than
ever. Three years out of high school, where normally friendships from the
previous life stage dwindle, we are still committed. Still committed to each other
and to the Lord, and to everything that falls between that. I was so thankful
that that room was full last night, of His presence and of faces- just thankful
to be in a room together for at least one night. I was so thankful that there
were new people surrounding the tables, significant others and roommates and
friends. I was so thankful that I am known and loved, and have been for so long
by these people. I am thankful for the men in that room (let me add, the ratio-
2:1 guy:girl) who have shown me how men should treat women for so long. I am so
thankful that I get to come home to this- when many people do not. I am so
thankful that so much of my life and dreams now have been spurred on by
interactions I have had within this net. I am so thankful that our God did not
give up on us- and that, after much time together, we have not given up on
meeting with each other.
This net is a reason to why I do what I do. It’s why I took
life with Christ seriously in the first place. Its why I am a Young Life
leader- for perhaps I can help in some small way cast this vision for another
generation. It’s why I went to school where I went to school. It is why I am
constantly yearning for life outside of the life the world proposes- because I
have tasted life and life to the full with this net.
I know I have written many blog posts about this very topic-
but it is one of the most important things to me. Through this net, I know I am
loved by my Father. This net was cast, very long ago, and has been in all of
our plans since the beginning of our time. This net picks me up, holds me
close, and does not let my feet leave solid ground. I hope, for as long as we
live- that we will never, ever, ever stop loving the Lord first and each other
second. For because of that first vision, our lives will never be the same.
This is some of my net. They are beautiful.
I love this life and the lives it is made of.
