building up community isn't easy

We have been learning a lot about the idea of community in our couples bible study this summer.  It sounds amazing but it is difficult to put into practice.  I would love to be part of a group of people who is willing to give up anything and everything for the sake of helping those around me.  This comes a little more naturally when you are with people who you know will do the same for you too.  But, it is a whole lot harder with people who you know may or may not give the same back...those types of relationships can become draining.

source

For the past week I have been praying about opportunities to build community.  My prayers have sounded like this, "Lord, please help me to be more aware of opportunities today where I can be an influence and build up community."  I went for a walk later in the morning with Quinn and ran into a woman and her daughter that Matt and I randomly met at his half marathon seven months ago.  When we first met them, I was very pregnant and we made the connection that we actually lived in the same neighborhood.  We had intentions of meeting up but things got crazy and life went on.  It was exciting to meet up with another mom in the neighborhood (and, her other friend from the neighborhood too).  That small amount of convenient adult interaction during the day can make a big difference!

So, big "yay!" for building community, right?!  Yes, well, back to the hard part.  Sometimes I get frustrated with the "breaking through" part in my friendships.  I personally don't do well with much fluff.  Now, obviously there is a time and place for everything, and it's important to be polite.  But, sometimes I have a hard to time connecting with others because I feel like they are not being "real" with me.  Let me give you an example... "Yes, being a mom is amazing.  But, oh my gosh, it is SO HARD sometimes."  You see, some people cut that sentence off after, "Yes, being a mom is amazing."  I am not that person.

Whenever I have interactions like that I start to feel bad about myself and sour about the friendship.  But, isn't that what the devil wants?  To break up the potential for community?!  I realized that I have been looking at relationships from a purely selfish point of view.  What can I get out of this?  How does this person make me feel?  My sister pointed out that maybe those other women don't feel comfortable digging in that quickly.  Hmmm...maybe, I should try praying for the friendship or good conversation that might initiate some honest conversation.

I wish I would have come to that revelation sooner!  I am working on looking at relationships as a way to serve others rather than serve myself.

Mark 10:45 "For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve..."

"Greatness is not measured by achievement but by service for Christ's kingdom"
Excerpt from Our Daily Bread (July 2013)

The most important thing we can do is serve others!  Now, that's a different way of looking at things, isn't it?!

Let me know if you found this post encouraging or helpful.  I still have a lot more to say on this topic, and would love to share if you are interested!