Community

I am reading a fantastic YouVersion devotion that has challenged me recently, especially in light of social isolation restrictions and the resulting lack of face to face community.  

A few excerpts from this reading stood out to me - speaking about being strategic about community and making an effort to make this happen no matter what:

"Community can be as rich and deep as we make it ... & takes time to cultivate"

"Community pushes through adversity and hardship. It stays the course and believes the best"

'Doing life together' isn't flippant.  It's more than a flippant, quick hello - although 'hello's' are still great! :)

* It's purposefully and thoughtfully extending love and 'going the extra mile' for someone.  

* It's finding imaginative ways to celebrate - even on an ordinary day :)

* It's looking a bit deeper and asking 'how are you?', then waiting to hear the answer.

* It's an unexpected gift or letter in the mail.

* It's showing up unexpectedly with a meal.

"Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much." - Helen Keller

If you get some time, have a look at the story of Helen Keller and the freedom she experienced despite her obvious limitations.  She embraced the gift of others in such a beautiful way that it is recorded in history.  

A lesson in not allowing what appears a terrible setback to define you.

We can sometimes be our worst enemies.  But how blessed we are to have the encouragement of another.  To have someone believe in you when you doubt yourself.  A trusted friend.

Community is about extending yourself.  Taking risks.  Loving unconditionally.

And in this new season we need it more than ever before.

My challenge to you is to find creative ways to love another.  Who has God placed on your heart?

Pray for them; call them; visit them.   Love them.

Your obedience will become part of their story, and yours.

"A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." - John 13:34-35

Note: I used to sing the words to this verse in the Anglican Church choir when I was a young girl. Doesn't matter how many years go by, I can still remember the words, tune, choir, organ :).  

God's word is the same yesterday, today & forever!