Who are those people in life with whom conversations occur seamless, unbound by time? After months without consistent communication, once connected again, the chemistry and camaraderie between my siblings and I flowed freely.
Camaraderie – Mutual trust, loyalty, and friendship among people who spend time together. Fellowship, good humor, and shared support between people.
We played games, cooked meals, and talked. Laughter swirled around the table and memories surfaced as we spent the weekend together. Funny family idiosyncrasies emerged and songs from a childhood together floated through the house. Conversations picked up where we left off after the last visit.
With each other, we welcome all subjects and perspectives, engaging with attentive observations, insights, and questions. Effort is required to move beyond personal preferences in order to appreciate the diversity between us. Through time and intention, honoring one another permeates interaction. As a result, fellowship deepens, trust broadens, and thoughtful dialogue expands. Living curious of one another creates the foundation for the strong camaraderie we experience.
We honor the differences between us and celebrate the similarities. Between my siblings and I, we have eight adult children and six grandchildren: that’s a lot of variety š. Meaningful sharing occurs as we explore the presence of God our lives and pray for the deep concerns stirring within our souls. Supporting each other in the ups and downs of life binds us together and enhances our camaraderie.
As I notice the camaraderie within my family, I consider the camaraderie of the twelve disciples. Although the closest followers of Jesus grew up with different family dynamics, trades, and personalities, they travelled together for three years. I imagine the conversations and effort required to grow trust, understanding, and friendship amongst such a diverse group. The disciples were fishermen, brothers, a tax collector, zealots, and students. The charisma of Jesusā disciples varied; some were outspoken, shifty, courageous, passionate, hardworking, and dedicated. Yet, as I read the New Testament, I sense mutual dependence, trust, support, and fellowship. That, reflects camaraderie.
Where do you experience camaraderie? How do those you spend time with support your connection with Jesus? In what ways do trust, loyalty, and good humor display mutuality and fellowship amongst those with whom you spend time?
While camaraderie develops with time, it also surfaces through vulnerability, honesty, humility, and commitment. Take a moment to ponder with Jesus: To what degree am I honest in my interactions with others? Do I welcome differing perspectives and insights? Describe the measure of mutual sharing amongst yourself and others. How much freedom exists within conversations and interactions with family, co-workers, friends, and ministry partners?
Thank God for shared experiences with others that offer camaraderie. Pay attention to the ways these relationships are gifts from God. Contemplate ways to intentionally pursue depth with those around you. Surrender to the traits of humility, respect, and laughter as you share life with others.
This week – – –
Reflect. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ponder these verses. With God, take an honest assessment of the mutuality of your relationships. How well do you honor and esteem others? In what ways do you welcome insights from others? Practice reciprocity with family, friends, co-workers, and ministry partners.
Request. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In humility, ask God to grow your ability to be sharpened by others. Invite God to bring people into your life with whom you experience mutual sharpening and strengthening. Thank God for the opportunity to live in connection with humanity.
Receive. God loves you. Most of all, our triune God (Father, Son, Spirit), desires camaraderie with you. Receive the delight God exhibits for you and with you (John 15). Explore the ways you trust God, demonstrate loyalty to Jesus, and live by the Spirit.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down oneās life for oneās friends.
Philippians 2:1-4 – Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
John MacArthur. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You.. Nashville, TN. 2006.
Rebecca McLaughlin. No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship. Chicago, IL. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Rend Collective. Build Your Kingdom Here. Click here to watch & listen.
Chris Tomlin. Together.Ā Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Buena Vista, CO – Waterstone Church Women’s Retreat
October 31-November 4 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat – Breathe Deeply – A Soul Care Encounter for Women
š If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund.
Thank you! š·
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot