Community living is hard

Community living was one of the things that I was excited about before the race, and although it has been such a great thing, it has also been very difficult.

On one side, I am getting to experience countless “once in a lifetime” moments with 36 other people that have become like family. I know that there are friendships here that will last a lifetime and there is something so unique and special about being around so many people that are chasing after the same things that I am. I’ve learned, grown, and been pushed as much or more by my squad mates than by any training or leadership. In a physical way, you are rarely alone. 

On the other side, a group of 37 is just stressful. Traveling anywhere means a bus, or sometimes multiple busses. It’s like traveling with a high school class or sports team, but for nine continuous months. It can be easy to feel unheard. Airports are hectic. Meal times are never simple and calm. Nine months worth of stuff in bags makes tight rooms even tighter. People can easily rub me the wrong way if I’m not careful. It often feels suffocating or overwhelming. I cherish rare alone time, even as an extrovert. We have to travel in groups no matter where we go, even on weekends and free days because communication, language barriers, and unknowns of other countries makes simple tasks done alone risky. 

Through every pro and con of community living, I’m so thankful for the valuable lessons that it has taught me. 

• People can’t actually fill you, only Christ can.  As Saint Augustine said, “There is a God-shaped hole in every man that only Christ can fill”. You would think that dozens of friends around you all the time would help you always feel loved, valued, and seen. For a moment this can be true. But sustained fulfillment is in Christ alone. In the best way, abiding in Christ will do more for me than 36 other people ever could.
• The fruits of the spirit are in us for a reason. Things like love, patience, and gentleness are really helpful when you haven’t slept in your own bed or driven yourself where you want to go in more than seven months. Crankiness can come easily. Thankfully, we weren’t designed to handle these emotions alone. Christ IS love, and this flows out of us without limits, IF we choose to tap into Him.
• As my teammate grant loves to say “it’s not that deep. The sun will come up tomorrow”. Things happen. I’ve lost things, been confused, or felt prideful when I thought that I knew best. Life is much simpler with humility. It’s worth giving up my seat, sharing my snacks, rolling with life’s punches, choosing to keep my mouth shut sometimes, and realizing that nothing I have is mine anyway. I’d also like to note that these ideas aren’t new revelations I’ve had. Read Ecclesiastes and anything about Jesus’ life in the gospels to learn so much more about what kind of perspective God wants us to have on life.
• God works so much through community. I can’t even count the amount of times that I’ve been encouraged, edified, and laughed hysterically because of all of these people. There’s something different about people walking with Christ. I could try and describe it, but I think it would be better to encourage you to try it for yourself.

The greatest truth that I’ve learned is that community is necessary. God creates us relationally so that we can push each other, love each other, and be there for each other. Life is hard, but we were never meant to walk alone. Christ didn’t come just to be King, but to bring Kingdom. We are called to abide in Christ (personal), walk in the kingdom (community), and invite others in (evangelism).