What I LOVE about discipleship ...

Just got back from Amy and Brandon's wedding ... such a sweet time at such a beautiful place with some of my most favorite of all people!

But, what stuck out to me?  Out of all of the beautiful touches and amazing people? ... the picture with the "small group" ... and the pictures with the "small group" at so many weddings in the past.  I watched the little group of girls huddle around the beautiful bride and I was proud of Amy and the investment she made (in the midst of the craziest year of her life!).  And I was thankful that these girls made a commitment to grow in community with each other to know and love God more.  I loved watching the girls, one of whom drove all the way from Savannah, just hang out with each other ... closer because of the sweetness of what they've shared.  And I remembered lots of picnic lunches with the Daniel girls as we shared life and truth for two of the sweetest years of my life. 

I LOVE, LOVE it ... seeing small groups celebrate together ... knowing that it's sweeter because they live(d) life together.  I love, love that the group outlasts the meetings, that the influence outlasts the study, that the beauty of life on life keeps on and on and on...

Last night, I sat on the tailgate of Gavin's truck talking to Carrie, soon-to-be-wife to Taylor, while Gavin and Taylor gabbed about old D group memories.  Love, love that Gavin is in a wedding with guys 20 years his junior because of the value of his investment in Taylor's life.  Loved hearing them laugh about adventures.  Loved hearing Taylor ask Gavin questions that matter.  Love, love this sweet relationship between two guys who love Jesus.

Getting ready to head to leadership retreat tomorrow ... praying for ways to convey to new small group leaders the beauty and the value of what they are entrusted to do!  Praying God leads me to some lives to invest in as well!