thankful for: the Christian family

Ever have one of those moments where you meet someone for the first time and you already seem to have some connection like you have known each other forever!? I used to think it was so rare and then I started traveling with Axis. All over the country I would meet people who shared my love of Christ and the gospel and because that makes up so much of who we are...we connected. We have this bond that will never be broken. I have family all over the country now that I never knew I had! It is amazing the impact the Christian community has.
Recently, I have been reminded of that power both with strangers and old friends I have not talked to in a while.
I 'concentrated' in Youth Ministry while in college. I wish I could say minor but it was not an option as a minor at my university so I just took as many classes as I could. One of my favorite classes was about small groups and it was a small class. There were about 9 of us plus the professor. We all got pretty close in the course of the semester. The other day I got a message from one of the girls and we all started catching up and sending prayer requests and encouragement to each other. It was so fun to see us all come together after almost 3 years!

Last week, I was sitting in Starbucks going through Galatians before my Bible study. As I was packing up, the man next to me took off his headphones and asked what church I attended. I was surprised by the question but started talking to him for a bit about church and life. He saw the book I was reading and asked what I was studying for. It was so incredible to make a connection with a brother in a coffee shop. You never know where you will meet new family!

Tonight, I was meeting with a new group that just arrived at camp. One of my summer staff girls was there with her dad. Her dad gave me a hug and saw the walking boot on my foot. He started asking about it and they ended up praying for healing for my foot. He continued to encourage me with scripture and spoke truth into my life. I have only met this man one other time and his heart for God was so inspiring!

No matter where we are there is family everywhere. We may not ever meet them or we may be best friends and live in community together. Either way you have that lifelong connection being one in Christ.  I am so thankful for this family who share such a strong connection with. They are incredible!