Community is essential.
That's right, you introverts. You done need people too.
Community is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. My next John's roommate Dougal and I were discussing sub and counter-cultures a couple of nights ago. It was fascinating, hearing him explain how each functions and what their importance was. Coming from where I do, the concept isn't even a thought, so I was thankful with his patience and knowledge.
sub·cul·ture noun \ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər\ a cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture, but seeking out the power of that larger culture.
Speaking plainly, subculture is Second City, and counterculture is Monty Python. Emo and punk. Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino. You get the picture. If you think I'm wrong, comment, please. I'm still mulling all of this over.
My friend Anna and I were discussing this video that's been trending lately, How to Be Alone. I really liked it when I first watched it, but lately, after, essentially, being alone for three weeks, I can't say I can be one of its fans anymore. Anna, apparently, never liked it, and I'm beginning to see why.
Both of us have been contemplating the idea of community, how to preserve it, why it's important, etc. What's odd is, the people that need it most seem to want it the least. "My sister has been trying to get a hold of me all week. She can tell when I'm avoiding talking." So even Anna and I, two introverts, recognize that as little as we may admit to needing it, we do recognize that it is necessary to a healthy life, be it physically, mentally, or spiritually. For me, I dang straight need it for all three. Without at least one human contact a day, lasting a half-hour or more, I go pretty nuts.
Last night, the children's movie Monster House made me cry. Here are these kids, having adventures and becoming heroes, and I couldn't even finish my online assignment, much less save my friends or find the answers to historic, unsolved mysteries. And yes, I know Monster House is an animated movie; it was the essence of the thing. I feel like I'm letter my inner child down because I'm not the person I was hoping I'd be.
But, I also recognize that this is a feeling that becomes strong within me when I am most alone. With Anna, Allen, and Patrick over tonight, just doing homework and playing cards, those concerns of "Am I a failure?" dissolved almost to the point of never having been there. Not because they were a distraction. Because they reminded me I'm not, in fact, failing anyone or anything.
We need people; God called us to be in community with one another. I know a lot of churches and groups are attempting to figure out how to do that effectively. My concern doesn't lie in the doing it perfectly, it's in the doing it at all.
Hebrews 10:23-25
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Where do you see God moving?
In those three friends. They keep me well-rounded, pull me out when I'm in too deep.
What do you hear God saying?
"You're not alone, and you're definitely not failing me or my plan for you."
How do you see God moving?
Still pushing me to find an artistic outlet. Today for some reason I've felt really compelled to find an art class.
That's right, you introverts. You done need people too.
Community is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. My next John's roommate Dougal and I were discussing sub and counter-cultures a couple of nights ago. It was fascinating, hearing him explain how each functions and what their importance was. Coming from where I do, the concept isn't even a thought, so I was thankful with his patience and knowledge.
sub·cul·ture noun \ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər\ a cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture, but seeking out the power of that larger culture.
coun·ter·cul·ture
noun \ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkəl-chər\ a culture with values and mores opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm, refusing to seek out the power of the larger culture, but rather to destroy it from the outside.Speaking plainly, subculture is Second City, and counterculture is Monty Python. Emo and punk. Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino. You get the picture. If you think I'm wrong, comment, please. I'm still mulling all of this over.
My friend Anna and I were discussing this video that's been trending lately, How to Be Alone. I really liked it when I first watched it, but lately, after, essentially, being alone for three weeks, I can't say I can be one of its fans anymore. Anna, apparently, never liked it, and I'm beginning to see why.
Both of us have been contemplating the idea of community, how to preserve it, why it's important, etc. What's odd is, the people that need it most seem to want it the least. "My sister has been trying to get a hold of me all week. She can tell when I'm avoiding talking." So even Anna and I, two introverts, recognize that as little as we may admit to needing it, we do recognize that it is necessary to a healthy life, be it physically, mentally, or spiritually. For me, I dang straight need it for all three. Without at least one human contact a day, lasting a half-hour or more, I go pretty nuts.
Last night, the children's movie Monster House made me cry. Here are these kids, having adventures and becoming heroes, and I couldn't even finish my online assignment, much less save my friends or find the answers to historic, unsolved mysteries. And yes, I know Monster House is an animated movie; it was the essence of the thing. I feel like I'm letter my inner child down because I'm not the person I was hoping I'd be.
But, I also recognize that this is a feeling that becomes strong within me when I am most alone. With Anna, Allen, and Patrick over tonight, just doing homework and playing cards, those concerns of "Am I a failure?" dissolved almost to the point of never having been there. Not because they were a distraction. Because they reminded me I'm not, in fact, failing anyone or anything.
We need people; God called us to be in community with one another. I know a lot of churches and groups are attempting to figure out how to do that effectively. My concern doesn't lie in the doing it perfectly, it's in the doing it at all.
Hebrews 10:23-25
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Where do you see God moving?
In those three friends. They keep me well-rounded, pull me out when I'm in too deep.
What do you hear God saying?
"You're not alone, and you're definitely not failing me or my plan for you."
How do you see God moving?
Still pushing me to find an artistic outlet. Today for some reason I've felt really compelled to find an art class.
