Community: the Good and Bad, all Shared

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I've been in some good community groups, and some bad....some in between.  I've had friends that have walked with me through hard times, others who have walked away when times are not so enjoyable.  It hurts.  But I have found, by and large, that community is worth the risk.  The nitty gritty of knowing and loving someone well, and getting hurt by them, hurting them back, even though not intended.  The need for forgiveness, over and over, and over again.  It brings me joy and life in a way nothing else does, apart from my Jesus, and my wedded love.  The middle months of this past year have been lean on community.  We've struggled to get settled in a church home, really feel at home, and now it seems that the end of that season is around the corner.  We're settled in a good body of believers now, and so thankful, overflowing with thanks.  These people are real, and kind, and full of Truth.  The worship encourages and challenges us, and most of all, there is love.  Older men and women to look to for counsel, younger men and women, children, to encourage in their journey.  Plenty of life to live together, mistakes to make, triumphs to be had.  And so today, as I look forward to the regional community groups that start for our church next week, my heart is full with thanks, with joy.  I have been hurt by community, but I am ready to risk again, for the joy and hope of what Christ made possible for us on the Cross.

I hope you will take the plunge into real community too.

Blessings
Ruth

Take a peek over here at Gypsy Mama's Five Minute Friday.  Come back next Friday for another link-up!