It’s clear we need each other and must be intentional about building a village of support around us. But being in community is also terribly inconvenient. This inconvenience is part of the price we pay for the love and belonging we desire.
Generally speaking, we like the thought of being in community – surrounded by those who support and encourage each other throughout the seasons of life.
But, like any relationship, the work to build these connections often takes us out of our comfort zone.
Perhaps we were born into a family or find ourselves in a profession in which regular connections are a normal part of doing life together. And, in these cases, what inconveniences exist have likely already been readily accepted as par for the course.
But, for many of us, we don’t have a ready-made community and must be intentional about building one. And it’s here that we become well aware of the many inconveniences along the way.
For instance, we must regularly spend time together in order to build community. And this is disruptive to our normal schedule and rhythms of life. Getting just two people together can often be quite challenging, and even more so the larger the community.
Likewise, most relationships start in the shallows before diving deep and we must put in the sweat equity of relationshipsbefore reaping the benefits. We can’t just show up and enjoy community. We must patiently listen and courageously share our stories with each other before we can taste the rewards we desire.
In the end, building community is inconvenient and disruptive to the status quo of our life.
But when we’re not willing to pay this price, we simply pay it later when we remain isolated and alone.
We cannot thrive without community.
Keep fighting for community despite the many inconveniences along the way. They’re but a small price to pay in the long run.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
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