by Meg Stevens


I think I won the lottery of life.  I have a lot of health, an incredible husband, and two amazing kids.  All of this only feels so amazing because our whole family is part of something bigger than just the four of us.  I'm not talking about being part of our big "Stevens Clan," but rather part of a real community where people know that they have a "family bigger than their family." When there's a big political election on the horizon, when inflation is going up, when climate change feels very real as fall seems to never be arriving, when a pandemic hits, there's a need for people to have more than just their family.  I have this need.  When all of these big things are happening, it can feel like we're floating, like we're not grounded, like we're alone, even if we have an exceptional family.


The need for community beyond, or as a chosen family is significant. The need to do something that's in service of others.  The need for other positive adult role models for my kids.  The need to continually grow in my spiritual journey.  These are things that I find in the community of RLC. I haven't been able to be as active at RLC the past few years as I would like due to some major life changes, but what I can attest to is how important the community has been to my family and me.  Even though my face isn't around on Sundays right now, my heart and spirit are there.  The abundance of RLC expands beyond the walls of the sanctuary, and the walls of the church.  RLC provides a community that brings me and my family an abundant life.  My family and I choose to give to the abundant RLC community because it's a way to show that we support, cherish, and want to grow this incredible 'bigger family' that keeps us grounded, and keeps us whole as we walk with the Spirit together.