Read
Chapters 6 & 7
I love people. If you know me at all, this is not news to you. Almost nothing feeds my soul more than spending time with people I care about, and who care about me. At the end of an evening spent with friends, I can barely fall asleep because my mind and heart are still buzzing with the warm-fuzzies that I get from hanging out with my people.
I realize at this point, I have already lost the attention of the non-relaters out there, those of you who cannot even fathom this kind of relational “high.” But bear with me, I think there’s something here for you too.
In chapter 6, Jennifer tells the story of the “Great Unzipping.” I love this story of one brave little girl revealing that she had brought in her overnight bag, a “lovie.” As I read the story, I pushed the tears back from my eyes. I loved this brave little girl, whose own revealing of her special blanket opened the door for the other little girls to be vulnerable too. As it turned out, they each had a special, comforting something they’d brought to the sleepover.
As a Relater, I could, well, relate.
Relaters regularly risk vulnerability for the sake of making others feel welcome. We can’t help ourselves. If making space for others at our table means we have to share our own struggles, then so be it. It’s that important to us, that you feel like you can be a part of whatever we are doing.
When we are vulnerable, we arrive at the place where we can rejoice and weep with those who weep. We can celebrate the good and help one another carry the bad. Just as God intended. {p. 107}
Relaters are not surface people. We are the deep-sea divers of the relational realm.
The bigger risk for us is not so much in our willingness to be vulnerable, as it is in the way we sometimes turn to people before turning to God, to find our identity.
The only way we can be healthy Relaters is to be in a healthy relationship with our Creator.
We must let Him define who we are, and not allow our relationships to be our identifiers. Jennifer writes, “when we know who we are relationally with God, we are equipped to function relationally with others.” And all the Relaters said, amen.
Loving and connecting with people is definitely our sweet spot. But ultimately, our happiness comes from God, when we put our relationship with Him in the forefront of all that we do. It’s through that friendly fellowship with Jesus that God uses our willingness to be vulnerable and love others with passion and faithfulness for His ultimate glory, and to inspire holy happiness in our communities.
What’s Next
For Tuesday, read Chapters 8 & 9.
Discuss
Head over here to join the conversation!
Take a moment or two to consider those special relationships in your life. What ways do you see God at work in the ways you offer and receive love? What steps can you take to keep turning to God, rather than to people, to fill your own personal happiness tank?
We have loved connecting with you in our new forum (and we’re so grateful you’re patient with us as we try something new!) so we wanted to give you a special reason to head over there today if you haven’t stopped by lately. In today’s forum thread you’ll find an exclusive video link – a conversation between Happiness Dare author Jennifer Dukes Lee and the wonderful Anita Renfroe!
If you aren’t already logged in to view the forum, that will be your first stop – then simply click on “Connect” > “prayer wall” > “The Happiness Dare Book Club” > “Chapters 6 & 7” (you might want to open this blog post in a new screen in case you need to revisit these directions. It’s one of the things we’re working on streamlining for you!) You can click the little box under your comment to receive an email whenever someone responds to you as well, which can be super helpful since Jennifer has been spotted frequently hanging out in the forum!
If you’d rather just join us in the comments of this blog post please feel welcome to do that as well! We love connecting with you 🙂
Kris is passionate about bringing people to the table to be nourished by good words, good food, and Jesus. Meet Kris at her blog, kriscamealy.com and on Instagram @kriscamealy. Kris is the author of the book, Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement and the founder of GraceTable.org, a community Table open to all who are hungry for more of Jesus.
Even though I can’t participate in Book Club right now…I have to say, I loved this part of Jennifer’s book!! I am a deep sea diver and I was truly encouraged to keep being vulnerable…not for affirmation from others, but so that others can see my weaknesses and see Christ’s strength working through and in me. To Him be the glory!! It is only in Him that I find my identity.
Loved this part,
Bev
Thanks for reading and sharing your heart, Bev. It’s encouraging to hear from another deep-sea diver 😉
I was one of those starting to tune out at “relational buzz,”but figured I’d keep reading…Wow, am I glad I did! Every other point seemed to hit home. Thank you, Kris, for helping me see parts of myself in a new light and appreciate what God’s plan might be to use those parts…as I stay grounded in my One worth-defining relationship with Jesus. Thank you, Kris!
Pearl, thank you for that. I am so glad you kept reading, and more so, that you found something of value here. God is so faithful to meet us in our need.
Kris,
I am somewhat of an introvert. When I really “meet” people I want to know them–deep down. Jesus “hotwired” me to more easily relate to geriatric (older) friends. I do that by praying for them and helping them in any way they need. It can be a phone call, let them cry on my shoulder, or a simple smile & hug to say I love you & I care. That is done mostly at the assisted living where my dad lives. Everyone needs someone to brighten their day.
Blessings 🙂
I love hearing about the ways you care and minister to your senior friends. Everyone does need someone…it sounds like God puts you in the right places to serve some of his people. What a gift!