I have taken a little break from writing as summer’s busyness is in full swing, but lately “community” seems to be a main theme in my life and a topic I’ve been wanting to address.

I absolutely LOVE my “community” and feel SO blessed by all of “my people!” Life can be hard, but so much harder doing it alone than surrounded by community. For me, that means my family, extended family, church family, online and long distance acquaintances, and the actual physical community that we live in.

Summer seems to be full of various events all crammed into a few months since we live where it’s cold so much of the rest of the time and harder to get together. There are weddings, grad parties, family reunions, camp fires, and even family trips and vacations if you are especially lucky! Many opportunities to connect and enjoy fellowship with others now and in any season.

We have had two big family reunions two weekends in a row, and I have to think in the middle of it all, that this is where we belong. These are “our people,” and I hope to pass on that sense of belonging to the next generation as well. I also feel that way about our church family and the larger family of God. These are also “our people,” and have carried us through many joys and sorrows of life, with so much support, prayers, encouragement, as well as physical acts of kindness. And our rural community– so many are willing to reach out and give someone a hand who is going through a hard time. There are fundraisers, helping hands for service projects or disaster relief, and many other ways people bond together on the twists and turns of this journey of life. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)- “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” And Romans 12:15 (NKJV)- ” Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Recently I seem to have been more aware of “community” all around me…. both those who have it, and those who don’t. I am so sorry for those who do not have that network around them, and you are certainly very rich if you are surrounded by your people– those who have your back and that you can rely on at any time and in any circumstances to be there for you and your loved ones. I believe God made us for community and fellowship, and even if we are introverts by nature (yours truly), we are here to love and be loved, and everyone needs to know that they are not alone in this life.

As hard as it can be to get out of our comfort zones, you may never even know how much it could mean to someone if you reach out to them, smile and say hello, and show interest in their lives. Even if you think maybe someone else is with them or brought them along, be the one to make that connection…. vs. waiting for someone else to do it. You may find you have things in common you never expected, or even gain a new friend. Always keep a lookout for those who are on the outside edges, waiting for someone to notice and draw them in. And if you are the one there, take the initiative to join in a conversation, or to just find someone who needs a listener. We rob ourselves sometimes by not being willing to take that first step, and maybe taking the easier road by staying in our social media virtual worlds of superficial relationships rather than be vulnerable and real with those right in front of us.

So that is it for this week… maybe this month…. I need to work on my “community” skills for awhile! Blessings to all!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.
¹¹ Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? ¹² Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”