Sense of community

I have been learning a lot about the importance of community lately. Ever since I got back from SA I’ve been feeling like some major component of my life has been missing. And recently I’ve realized that I’ve been lacking community in my life. When I was in South Africa, I lived and worked with the same 20 people every day. But when I got back to the States that sense of community seemed to disappear almost over night. Not seeing the same people daily and knowing that I didn’t have that community to fall back (physically) on was tough. And when I came home to a place where many friends had left or moved on with their lives, it was even more difficult. But I let it slide. I told myself I was fine with just communicating with my SA friends even though we are scattered all over the country, and the world for that matter. But to tell you the truth, that hasn’t really worked out the way I’d imagined. I don’t talk to my fellow interns nearly as much as I had hoped to, as we all have busy lives and schedules. And I haven’t allowed myself to reconnect with the community in which I now live, which has left me feeling rather lonely. I love people, but at the same time I don’t want them to see me struggle. Yet I know that I need those close friendships in my life that challenge me and allow me to challenge others.

So last night I finally decided to step out and do something that I had been dreading to do…go to Connexion, the college ministry at my church. Just the thought of going to a place where I didn’t know anybody was terrifying. I had let that fear keep me from attending for far too long. But I think it’s just what I had been needing. The worship was amazing, Dan’s message was challenging, and the small group time was great. I met some new people who I connected with right away and feel like the small group I ended up in was the perfect one for me. The group was very welcoming and made me feel like part of their community. There’s just something about being in fellowship with the body of Christ that makes me feel alive. I can’t wait to go back next week and continue to build those relationships as we grow together in Christ.