Hi, My name is…

by Laura Torgerud

Romans 15:4-13 “”Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” v. 7

It was July 2009. I moved to Iowa, with my husband and three year old daughter. While my husband had his colleagues, I knew no one that wasn’t a Torgerud. I spent my days talking to a toddler, or myself. I was depressed. Friendship seemed hopeless and daunting.

In September of that year, I summoned the courage to attend a mom’s group. I am an introvert through and through, so this move was way out of my area of comfort. I was desperate. Desperate to see adults. Desperate to interact with other moms.

I scoped the scene. Moms greeting each other, pouring themselves a cup of coffee, telling stories of their beloved (or perhaps on that day, not so beloved) children. Within a few minutes, a mom named Lisa sat down next to me. She smiled, and said, “Hi, I’m Lisa.” It didn’t matter that our initial conversation wasn’t earth-shattering or moving. What mattered is that I felt welcomed. Lisa welcomed me into this new community with heart-felt genuineness. In that moment, I felt hope. Hope for my future in this new place called the Quad Cities.

Just as God has welcomed each of us with miraculous grace, we are asked to welcome one another. With amazing grace. God’s wish for us as we live out our lives on earth is to glorify Him. Not in isolation, but by living together, in God’s time. It can start with a smile and “Hi, My name is …”

Prayer

God, this is the day you have made.

Come now Lord Jesus, so I may rejoice and be glad in it.

Come now Lord Jesus, so I may surrender to you my agenda and to-do list.

Come now Lord Jesus, so I may receive today your love from the ones you have blessed to give it to me.

Come now Lord Jesus, so I may share today your love with the ones you have blessed me to give it to.

Come now Lord Jesus, so I, all people, and all creation may be awake and ready for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, and the glorious end of days.

Amen