Ooo, I'm Getting Excited

ECU students are now back in class, Pitt county starts soon, we'll start a great new series in a few weeks that will make a difference in the community and the people who participate, and the Watermelon Festival starts tonight. Don't go making fun of our Watermelon celebration - it's not a bad little small town gig.

We have people who have come (and stayed) at Discovery simply because they've encountered us being a blessing on campus at ECU or at the Watermelon Festival (among other places). I just can't get over how great it is to be outside the church meeting people and needs. I think the biggest need most people around here have is the need to be noticed. Life goes by so fast and it can seem like nobody cares about you or what's going on in your life. We don't want to be like that. God cares, He notices, and we do our best to show that we care too.

How?

• It starts by just showing up. It's hard to notice people if you aren't even out where they are. And it's pretty easy to find them, especially if they're NOT at your church.
• Then we step up. We find something to do that nobody else is doing. There's always a cost involved. Sometimes it's financial (giving away stuff) and sometimes it's just labor. But whatever it is, we don't just show up, we DO SOMETHING while we're there, to let people know we've noticed them.
• Lastly, we listen up. If you want to make somebody feel important or like you care, just stop what you're doing, look at them and listen. It's as simple as that. If you need to talk, ask more questions about them - don't just tell them about you. Listening is a lost art and communicates care better than words.
• Occasionally, you'll have a chance to speak up, but that's not the goal. The goal is just to notice people, make 'em feel cared for and important. When that happens, you'll get opportunities to speak up but don't make that the goal. Build relationships. Listen. Learn. Love. If they ask why, then and only then should you speak up.

As I look to the near future, I see some things we're going to be doing where people will feel noticed. Some big, some smaller, but all important. I can't wait. September and October are going to be great!