I write this knowing that some of you will be on your way to Allume already, bags packed, hearts expectant, cute PJs ready for the late night chat sessions. It’s one of the few posts I didn’t pre-write in September because I didn’t know what God was going to put on my heart for this week.
This series? It’s been hard for me to write at times – equal parts therapy and dedication to this craft that I love so much it amazes me. But God has been so generous in revealing something to my heart that I want to carry with me to Allume.
Find community in the crowd.
In a sea of 450 beautiful women (and some awesomely brave dudes), find a few. Not a clique, but a few constant, familiar, friendly faces to help make the conference seem just a little smaller, a little deeper. As an introvert, my brain quite literally can not focus on or absorb easily the sheer number of faces and voices without feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. So I’ll go smaller.
I’ll swap cell phone numbers with a few ladies in case I need a little escape from the crowd. I’ll make plans to join one person I know at each meal, and then meet all the new ladies at our table – together. I’ll say “hi” to all but dig deep with a few. I’ll be okay knowing that I simply won’t meet everyone – and I’ll rest knowing that God had plans for them to connect with other amazing women who will pour into their lives.
If you’re boarding a plane or just packing your bags, feeling a little anxious about how you’re going to meet everyone and do everything? Take a deep breath and know that God goes before you, knowing who you’ll meet, how, when, and the friendships that will form over late night chocolate and laughter and early morning coffee and …well..more coffee. Look beyond the hundreds and find the hearts of the women with whom God is calling you to community.
And let’s go do big things for the kingdom, sisters. God is on the move – let’s meet Him at Allume.
Wonderful advice, sweet friend. Thank you for this post – just what I needed. How did you know? 🙂
… just realized that I don’t even have cards to give out. Hmm… Maybe I’ll write my URL on a napkin. 😉
Me? Do I get to be one of those people to go deep with? *bats eyelashes*
Great advice, Crystal. One of my goals at the 1st Relevant (or maybe it was last year at Allume…I can’t remember) was to NOT make small talk. If someone came up to me (or I braved walking up to them) I was determined to keep talking past the first 2 or 3 sentences. And I met some fabulous people, had great conversations that way. Not just passed out a card but actually MET people.
CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU.
(Oh my word, I need to get off the computer and PACK)
Love seeing your sweet words in my inbox first thing this morning 🙂
Looking forward to it!
If I see you there I’ll try to sit at your table for a meal! 🙂
So well said my friend. Going deep w/a few…love that!