December 5 The GIR Christmas party

Friday night:  I attended my first ever GIR (Growing in Relationships) Christmas party tonight. It was a catered dinner (very delicious), with entertainment afterwards by the Roedema's son (who is a pastor, but also sings beautifully). 

I am not particularly comfortable (!!) at social events. I'm not actually certain why that is. Perhaps it's because I am single, status post two rather failed marriages. It's not that there aren't any other divorced people in the class--in fact, there are quite a few; however, most have successfully remarried for a lengthy duration. There are a few widows and widowers in the class too. Some of these folk I have been somewhat acquainted with going all the way back to 1992, when I first began attending Calvary Church. Some of the people who are class members are also in my Monday Night Bible study group, and some I knew back when I was a choir member.

I drove a dear lady, Beverly, over to the party. She lives a few miles down the road off from Jupiter. She is 90 and no longer drives. We had a pleasant drive there and back. I met Beverly way back in 1992, but we have never really been a part of the same small group, so we got a little bit better acquainted on our drive. 

I only snapped just a few pictures of the party, all of them were taken before the party actually began:

Several class members decorated this space--which is usually used for the youth at Calvary on Sunday and throughout the week.

This is Tamela (L) and Cindy (R)--both of whom are in the small group I am in on Monday nights (Bible study). I have known both ladies now for over five years. Both are single women, divorced, with children and grandchildren. They are a blessing to me.

I hope I become more comfortable attending some of these social events. I have become quite a homebody in these years--happier in my little cozy space than anywhere else. It would probably be good for me if I grew some courage and socialized every now and then. I am far more comfortable with ladies' groups than I am in mixed company, especially if there are single men around. I'll pray about it!