Community

One of my favorite "go to" places (okay, my #1 go to place) is Promises Cafe, a locally owned Christian coffee house and bookstore.  I've taken advantage of the summer months by developing a routine that includes an hour or more at "my" table, sipping bottomless cups of coffee and reading.  Today, as I finished a book on community, I glanced over at the morning regulars--a group of anywhere from 7-14 people of varying ages, careers, and family situations who also have made Promises their stop for breakfast, coffee, and the morning news (whether it's from the paper or word of mouth).  I've learned interesting things from their conversations.  But today, as I observed their interactions, I realized that the morning crowd functions as a group (my church's label for our small groups).  They care for, encourage, and even admonish, one another.  One of the gentlemen suffers from Parkinson's.  The group makes sure that he and his wife have a parking spot close by.  Another man just bought a house in another community, and his presence is going to be missed.  If some one is late or doesn't show at all, they discuss their concern for that person--if no one knows why, a call is often made to check up on the absentee.  And, while the regulars don't have a designated leader, some one seems to fill that role on a daily basis.
What are my groups?  In what way do I function in community--not only in church-based groups, but in general?  What relationships am I developing that will impact the world around me?  What example am I setting for the cashier, the grocery bagger, the clerk at the library?

Father, thank You for showing me that community is more than a Bible study or small group.  Help me to be more proactive in developing community based relationships.  Thank You for the owners of Promises who have given us an example of what ministry can be, and bless them as they serve you.