community /

Okay, so I'm going to try to make this as short and to the point as possible, because it's already late and I want to go to bed. I just want to get some feels out of my system.

Last week I went on a week long local missions trip with my church. I was not incredible optimistic. I looked at the list of people going and how much I would be required to go out of my comfort zone and I was prideful and stubborn. I refused to trust in God and his promises and hand my worries over to him.

But then the missions trip started. And we worked for hours straight in 100 degree weather in the mud and the humidity and we went out to the mall and talked to strangers about our Savior and we were hot and sweaty and gross and exhausted. And we were happy. Because we got to work hard with our hands and serve with our hearts and strive to pour love into these lost people, and these kids with such broken lives. 

And then we slept at the church. And we played hide and seek with all the lights turned out. We played round robin for hours, and we cheered, and we yelled. We sang at the top of our lungs and pounded the beat on the top of the van. We laughed, and we cheered, and we sang, and we prayed. And every night the bonds grew a little closer, and we loved a little stronger. 

And now the week's over. And I miss them all so much. And now that it's over- it's only now that I realize how starved I was for that fellowship. That sense of community that you can only get from being with God's people. I was lonely, but I was too blind to even admit it. But God filled those empty places in a way that I couldn't understand and- guys, God is just so good. I find myself almost subconsciously looking forward to when I can see my people again. Because they are my people. God's people are my people; they're my brothers and sisters, and God taught me that in a new, firsthand way last week. 

So, all that being said, if you're a Christian and you find yourself left searching for that sense of community, take a chance. Reach out to those people around you on a deeper, more meaningful level. I mean, really think about it, what are you waiting for? College? Someone to reach out to you? You be that person; be the friend that you want in someone else. And if you don't go to a solid church somewhere- Christians were meant to be in God's house and with his people. If there's any way for you to get involved, church is, at least should be, the safest place you can be.

But, in the end, where flawed people fail you- remember your Savior. Remember who you're best, most faithful, and never failing friend is: Jesus. He will truly never leave you or forsake you. "for behold I am with you always- even to the end of the age."