RYC Word Part 3: Knock, And It Will Be Opened To You (The Chapter)

Dear Surrey Two,

"Growing up" in the community has always been an interesting experience for me when it's come to RYCon. Including this past one, I've been blessed to have attended 5. My first two were spent awkwardly roaming around, unsure of who to hang around. I was called to serve for my third RYC, so that one was undoubtedly the busiest. My fourth was during my first year as chapter head. Though I served for that one as well, the chapter was (of course) constantly on my mind. This past one, however, was unlike the rest.

I wrote about how competing and sharing affected me greatly this year, but now I'd like to write about what had the greatest impact on me.

A sea of yellow. My favourite colour, my favourite flowers, my favourite people. No other year can come in close comparison to this one because of you.

This year was better than the last because despite competitions being on my mind, I was still able to spend so much time with you. There wasn't a single person in the chapter who I didn't get to at least say hi to, and it made me happy to because it allowed me to share the event with you even more. And how beautifully easy it was to find the sisters with their flower crowns! No matter where I turned, the chapter was always in view. From what I witnessed, you were always with one another, and your joy radiated as brightly as your yellow shirts did.

And as you radiated, you mirrored each other's joy, reflecting it off into the rest of the Pacific region. People from other chapters actually came up to me with affirmations of how beautiful it was to see you so united in the joy of the Lord.

--

Knock, and it will be opened to you.

In order to knock on a door, you must stand in front of it and bring yourself to do it both physically and mentally. If you do not allow your mind to will for your hand to knock, it will not do it. And if you do not place yourself before the door, the action cannot be done.

Likewise, we must place ourselves in a position to experience love and joy. How can we feel like we are a part of the chapter or community if we choose to distance ourselves from one another? Be present and be open. If you have found yourself unable to do that up until this point, I encourage you to try. This community (and this chapter specifically) is not made to be cliquey -- it is accepting and welcoming.

So take that inch, step, leap, or sprint towards the door. I am assured that whatever is behind it is of the Lord.

I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:23 NRSVCE)