Finding your place in a community

Have you ever gone through those seasons of not feeling connected to a community? Maybe you have a group of friends? But are only there to enjoy the company and have fun. Or maybe you are in a community with people you love talking to and sharing your problems with but can't relate to them on a certain level? Maybe you feel you are just not connecting or part of one particular community. Maybe you feel better when you are alone.

Don't fret! In today's blog post, I will be sharing with you my personal experiences and how God revealed to me a new perspective on community which helped me- to grow and understand more about both the importance and purpose of the community.

As a child and growing in the teenage phase, I've gone through those moments of wanting to be accepted into a community. Having a group of friends to hang out with, doing cool things, eating cool food...so on so forth. As a grew older, I started to select communities that I knew were healthy and ones I could lean on for encouragement and support. I'm happy to say that those 2 communities can be found in my church youth ministry as well as my secondary school friends.

If I was going to paint the perfect picture, I would say that both communities had the best people ever, there was never a moment where I felt disconnected or lonely. Life was just perfect. (Maybe that's what some movies or dramas portray the characters life to be)

To tell you the truth, life will always have its ups and downs. That includes finding a community! Not only was finding a community important to me- but feeling a sense of belonging and connection with the people in that community.

In a couple of recent bakes, the word 'Community' constantly appeared. I spent time trying to think what it meant. How did God want me to connect the concept of community and baked goods together? Initially, I didn't get the picture. I didn't understand the connection and kind of put it aside after a while.

It was only after intentional reflection that God revealed to me what community meant to Him! From cookies to doughnuts and cakes, each dessert taught me an important aspect of what community means and how important it is. Check out my previous posts to find out the details of each revelation.

But here are 3 points to sum up whats I have learnt!

1. EVERYONE needs a community

   1. No one deserves to be alone. Big or small, we all need support from a community.

2. EVERYONE plays an important role in a community

   1. No one is excused. Community is when everyone builds something special together that cannot be replaced by anything else.

3. COMMUNITY takes time to build

   1. Don't expect things to be immediate. Building relationships and friendships with one another take time. Community is no exception. As you seek the Lord and pray for wisdom on finding the right community, God will reveal His will for you.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another one to love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Sometimes, it is hard to find everything you need in one community (there is nothing wrong with that!) Different communities provide different kinds of support and encouragement. I have realised that while you may enjoy being around one community and find support and encouragement from them, it does not necessarily mean that you will grow there. It is just a place for you to let loose and be yourself, enjoy life, share your relatable issues and have fun together. However, there is nothing wrong with being in another community where you find yourself growing deeper in maturity, wisdom and character. Different people have different expectations of the community. ultimately, it comes down to personal initiative and conviction to find yourself a community. The question is, do you want it?

People can introduce you to different groups and help you feel comfortable. But you should not constantly rely on them to ask you to join and have fun. If you want to be a part of that community, you will be willing to put in the effort to get to know that community and grow with them.

So don't worry, finding a community takes time and effort. We are all here to support one another! Have a great week ahead!

Cheers,

Eleanor Teo