A few months ago, Ian and I sat in our living room, praying together for a couple that we could build a strong relationship with. One that would just embrace us for the broken people we are and help us grow.
We wanted needed people to do life with.
Two days later, they knocked on our door, Megan and Justin, all smiles, with a gift of fresh-pressed apple cider. Talk about a quick answer to prayer.
It’s pretty awesome how God works, bringing the right people at the right time. These two have been a huge blessing to us. Our friendship has blossomed so quickly that I can’t believe we’ve only known each other for a few short months. And I can’t believe how alike we are. It’s just amazing.
When we met them, Ian was also reading through Waking the Dead (a fantastic book). The end speaks a lot about building a small, intimate community where you can grow and lean on each other.
The first time I read that book, I was sold on the idea. When Ian read that part to me a couple months ago, we both knew that it was time to start fostering that.
There’s something about doing life with other people that makes it so much better. We’re meant for relationships, for community. It is essential to our well-being and growth.
It’s hard to pick yourself back up when you fall. It’s hard to pull yourself out of a crappy mood. And it’s really hard to enjoy a day-long, epic grocery shopping trip by yourself. Trust me, I’ve tried.
But when you have other people to help you, the bad stuff isn’t as bad. And the good stuff is so much better.
Community.
I just love that word.
How have you been fostering community in your life? Join me and other like-minded people building community here.
Similar Posts:
- Creating the Life You Want – It Starts With a Sketch
- The Year of Increase
- Pursuing passion
- The Year of Building Relationships
- The fire is still burning
This post was written by
Nina Nelson – who has written 205 posts on Shalom Mama.
Nina Nelson is a freelance writer, mama to four and wife to one. She writes regularly about minimalism, living more sustainably and living more intentionally. She loves reading, snuggling and giggling at miniature horses.
Thanks for the book recommendation, I will have to check it out!
Last year I was really down, I felt like I needed to find like minded people but that in our small town my chances of finding them were slim. I thought we would have to move or start our travels before I would find the community I sought. But then I found a group of unschooling families who fit right in with our values and I am SO much happier! Community is such an important part of the human experience and I feel blessed to have found my own!
Amy @WorldschoolAdventures recently posted..Book Review: Twenty Miles Per Cookie
Just a quick question. Who is the author of Waking the Dead. Many books called by that name.
John Eldredge. I’ll edit the post and link to it on Amazon. I think you can find it in a public library, though.
I agree! We’re in a super small town, too. Thankfully, though, I keep finding the people I need. I love my online community, but there’s just something about hanging out and chatting over coffee with a friend. It’s such a blessing.
Thank you.
LOVE my small town…couldn’t live without the support, friendship, encouragement, help, love of our small-group community!
Amen, sister!!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight recently posted..Learning To Defer (Marital-Fitness 7)