Building C-C-Community

Community is an inherent characteristic of God. Being made in the image of God leaves me with this same ache for community. Relationship with God, relationship with people around me, relationship that runs deep. Apart from other aches I feel as a human, this one is a result of perfection not imperfection. This is so great, what a concept. Things that I deal with like shame, grief, hunger, pain, and the list goes on, are all because of sin, my sin, my brokenness. But not lonliness. This is unique because this comes from the ache for community. No one wants to be alone, and that is because we weren't created to be. Before sin even came into the picture God said that it was not good for man to be alone. This is in the midst of perfection. Community, integrated into who God is, is integrated into who we are. We are meant to live life together, alonside one another.

I became a part of a church community this past week. God has called me here to this church (Westridge...the one I was telling you about) and I am so stoked to be a part of what is happening there and what is going to happen. I have made some awesome friends and just can't wait to build more on these new relationships. I also entered into a few other communities this past week. One being a homeless community that is found on a street underground down in the city. Being around these, just awesome people, I was instantly taken in. There are genuine, long term relationships going on down there. (and as a side note - who doesn't want friends named Gus, Squeaky, Big Joe, and Footsie?)

School is moving forward and that means I get to learn more about a person then their name, hometown, and major. Woopee! This is for sure an exciting thing! (I happen to be sick of telling everyone those three things too by the way. I was starting to get creative.)

All this to say, I am beginning to embrace community around here. It's so relieving. God is bringing friends. I am getting to spend quality, authentic time with people. People who I get along with, people who I can learn from, people from different cultures, people I can encourage. And all of these which are searching for genuine community, just like me.