I have known community as a faithful friend sitting crossed legged on shag carpet around wedding magazines and dreams.

I have known community around tables strewn with notes and books stacked tall at yogurt shops, campus libraries and dorm rooms. When late night pizza runs with cars squeezed tight with silliness, it just fit into routine.

I have known community seated in borrowed couches alongside emerging leaders from around the globe as missionaries. Late night card parties, outreach trips in mini vans, group Christmas tree hunts and a cross-country move to start a new work. We did it together.

I have known community among weary mothers. At parks pushing swings, in backyard pools, beside  plastic cities at McDonalds, and on the couches of tiny fingerprints.

I have known community among the women whose eyes look to mine for direction. In small groups, behind podiums, holding clipboards, and in the corporate bowing of heads.

Today community is an elusive neighbor that looks out her window and rarely stands at the curb holding her coffee. She sits in her recliner turning the pages on the scrapbooks of yesterday wondering how she became invisible, why that word hurts her heart every time she reads it.

I have known community that looks you in the eyes and finishes your sentences. Today I know community as the loving, life giving conversations on glowing screens at my desk and in my pocket. And I’m shadowing Paul, learning to be content in all situations.

 I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.  ~Philippians 4:12

 

 

 What does community look like for you? Are you content with her?

Linking with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday with the one word prompt: Community.