My wife and I have hosted a small group in our home for the past 7 years. The four other couples in the group have become some of our dearest friends in the world. We have shared a lot of life together. Relationship challenges, concerns about our children, financial and health crises. When difficult circumstances have touched a member of the group, we have cared for each other with loving concern and prayers. When successes have come, these are the people we have wanted to celebrate with.
Knowing others intimately, and being known equally well in return, fulfills a deep need we all have to belong. To be in deeply satisfying relationships. Life is so much better when it is shared.
Our group adopted a term some time ago. I don't know where it came from. I am sure it is not original to us. We call it having "refrigerator rights." What does that mean? It means you don't have to ask if you want to get something out of the refrigerator when at the home of one of the other couples. You can help yourself. Anytime. You have "refrigerator rights."
But the term "refrigerator rights" goes much deeper than just saying we can grab a can of soda or a bottle of catsup anytime we want. It speaks of how truly "at home" we are with each other. That we are so comfortable with each other, we really are just like family.
Who has "refrigerator rights" in your life?
I just looked in my refrigerator, and I'm not sure if I want to give anyone refrigerator rights. LOL
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest gifts in this life is to have people like this in my life, who not only know how to 'break into' my house, use/eat/take what they need, but also have access to my inner life to heal/lead/influence. And, I do believe they know who they are.
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest disappointments over the last several years is that I do not have those people in my life right now. It's a wonderful thing, but not always easy to find......
ReplyDeleteWell, now, Liz, that is a perspective I never thought about! LOL
ReplyDeleteJune, that is where a church that makes small groups THE priority (the thing that defines the way they do ministry) succeeds where others do not.
Ginger, you have described what I am saying better than I was able to do, and with less words! ;)