We’re made for community

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4-5

We’ve all said it, “If only I could be by myself for a while. That would be amazing.” Or, “Gosh, I just want to go home, sit on my couch, and watch Netflix.” Or even, “I just don’t want to be around people right now.” Well, here we are…but now, we’re finding ourselves genuinely craving face-to-face connections. 

We are designed to do life, including the highs and lows, with others. God created man, saw that he was lonely, and created a partner for him. Jesus picked twelve men to teach and help with His mission…and be his close companions and friends. Heaven is a banquet, filled with people bursting with joy and breaking bread together. God wants us to have community, it’s life-giving. 

“Christ distributes courage through community; he dissipates doubts through fellowship.”

Max Lucado

So how do we participate in community when we’re feeling so isolated? 

• Take advantage of technology. Even if we’re feeling “Zoomed out” hop on a video or phone call, have dinner or play a game together, just from different houses. 
• Walk, skateboard, bike, or have a driveway or cul de sac get together. We can still be in fellowship six feet apart. Wave to your neighbors, even if you don’t’ know them. 
• Be silly and have fun with your family. Make obstacle courses through your house and yard, put on a talent show, or act out your favorite Disney movies. 
• Smile…at everyone. We can see a smile even if someone’s face is ½ covered with a mask.
• Practice gratitude. It’s hard to be anxious or worried when we concentrate on what God has done for us, rather than what we’re missing out on.
• And finally, remember how this feels. Let’s stay connected and develop real community with others rather than isolate ourselves with our busy-ness later on.

Like many, our team has been working remotely for nearly two months now. And we are making it a point to meet more often, three times a week, to keep our connections strong. Yes, we’ve been planning, working, and talking through giving strategies. But we’ve also prayed together, encouraged each other, shared binge-worthy shows, cried, and laughed together during this time. Even though we’re seven boxes on a screen, in many ways, God has made us feel even more connected through this time. Here’s a photo of a recent meeting… in the end, we’re pretty happy to be together.