…they will come. I have a love hate relationship with the movie Field of Dreams. It has some wonderful messages and it is moving. It's a powerful allegory. However, growing up it was overused in our youth group. There was a month or two stretch where it is the only movie we watched. And I surely got burnt out on it. However, that quote "if you build it, they will come" has always hit hard for me.
I'm a strong believer in community. It's what inspires me and keeps me running. Good relationships, deep conversations, ample belly laughs, and safe places to be genuinely you no matter when or how you show up. Working at a church it was automatically built in. I had my kids, my youth, the parents, and my volunteers. I had our college student/, our young adult groups, and our month senior group. I had certain staff members over the years that I just clicked with. But when I decided the church (and the Church) was no longer feeding me or serving the growth and direction I wanted in life, many of those communities disappeared.
It's been rough trying to create those niches in my life post-church ministry. I've started book clubs (so have thrived and some have failed). I've tried craft nights with friends. I've been a part of monthly game nights (and have them seen them continue outside of myself). I've invited coworkers for dinners and drinks. Randy and I have started bimonthly dinner parties to bring our friends together. And most recently I've dabbled in retreat planning again. I know that I have to lay the ground work for the communities I crave. If I create it, other people are likely to show up.
With my recent surgery I've had lots of friends checking in, sending food or gift cards, and just dropping by to be supportive of my healing. This last week one dear friend picked me up for lunch and we talked about life, work, and dreams for the future. She dropped me off at home and our mutual friend showed up to bring me coffee. It was so nice that the three of us had a bit of space and time to catch up, laugh, and just be. I am so thankful for the two of them and how they have invested in our friendship so quickly and deeply. This is the connection I seek. This is the type of community I hope to continually cultivate and keep at the forefront of my life.
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