Much has been on my mind as of late, but one thing that stands out to me most is my longing for Community. The topic at church for the next few months is on Intimacy and Community, and how we as humans have been created to take part in both of these. As Christians, I feel a good community is a life giving opportunity we have the privilege to partake in. A place to get to know each other, a place to have fun, a place to share, a place to go deeper. I myself, until now, have never realized just how much this can mean to a person, to a group as a whole, and how much one can give and receive while being a part of this gift from God. It is not something you can get from ONE person alone, but a group of intentional people having common bonds. It seems at times, we never realize what we have till it's gone.
I've honestly never had to "search" for community, it has always fallen into my lap.
It's that person that:
*Stalks you via FaceBook and then becomes a life long friend.
*Youv'e barely just met who share's an umbrella with you in the freezing rain.
* You meet at Happy Hour over a beer, and years later having them give you words of wisdom and encouragement, in time of crisis, confusion, heartache and struggle.
* Happens to have a "crush" on the same person as you and becoming best friends instantly.
* You randomly throw gummy worms at who later becomes your roommate.
* You rarely get the chance to talk to, but ALWAYS wants to know how YOU are doing.
It's people like these that you want , and hope to know..... forever.
I thank God for always having brought me just what I need, when I need it, because searching for it can be exhausting, and having the real thing I believe, can sometimes take a lifetime. I long for a place to "call home" a place where one can feel free to say what they think, to share the deepest darkest "secrets" a place to feel loved no matter what, no matter who you are or what you have done. I think this is always something that I have been wanting and searching for my whole life. A place to love, and feel loved, a place to serve and be served, a place to grow, as well as help others grow. I don't know about you, but this is what I long for. I feel people these days may say they want this, but in the end I don't think they know what it truely means. I don't think people are willing to be that open, that vulnerable, for fear of what others might think.
Today I thank God for the cummunity I once had, and I pray that God will again bring me this kind of community, joy, happiness,friendships, and intimacy.
A common unity that is CHRIST
John 13:34-35
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."Romans 12:9-10
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Philippians 2:4
Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.