As cold temperatures become more common, we start thinking about how best to dress for the winter weather, and one question that comes up is mittens or gloves. Gloves are better for work because they allow each finger to grasp things separately, but for cold, mittens are best, because they gather the warmth of the fingers together. In life, we need both as well. Each of us has been given unique gifts and skills we can use to serve others, and it’s good to make sure those fit you like a glove. None of us is exactly like anyone else. The work of the church gets done best when each of us does our part. But we also weren’t made to be alone. Being in a small group is like wearing mittens. We pray together, encourage one another, and hold one another accountable. We find warmth and strength and life in community with others. So if your fingers get cold, let that be a reminder: find a small group where you can do life together with a faith family, because we all need mittens as well as gloves.
– Ken Roach