We often neglect the importance of community, especially in a time where most of our social interactions are online and rarely face to face with other people in our neighbourhood or workplace.
At the beginning of this year, I heard a message from Robert Ferguson’s sermon about building the house of God and in that he gave a story of Gladys and Ethel.
This message was inspired from the book of Nehemiah in the bible, which I took some time to read and reflect on over a cabin trip somewhere in Wales with my family at the start of the year.
The story went a little bit like this;
There were two elderly faithful women (Gladys and Ethel) in a little town of Australia, whose hearts were set on building the house of God.
During a message, a young faith filled Pastor addressed the congregation about his vision to build a church in the area to make space for more people to come and experience church. But, this would require everyone to get involved as much as possible to see this vision come true.
So inspired by his message, Gladys and Ethel decided they would turn up day by day alongside other volunteers passing each stone brick by brick to the next until the church was finally built. They had to sacrifice time to make sure that they would see this dream and actually be a part of the end result.
Upon hearing this story, my heart was overwhelmed as I began to have this conversation with God as to whether I would be content with being a Gladys or an Ethel for the cause of Christ.
Would I be content in helping to build the dreams of others while still waiting to see my dreams and goals accomplished?
Here are 4 simple ways to make best of communities and how they can increase your productivity while providing you with the tools and motivation needed to reach your goal; (even if that means your name will not be up in lights.)
1. Find your place in Community
Community groups help bring about growth and empowerment. They provide support when needed and also allows people to grow in their gifts.
There are so many community groups that have come together during the pandemic for a common cause. For example;
If you are into fitness and building strength?
Join a community of runners or fitness groups that meet at the park every weekend.
Looking to upskill your cooking?
Join a virtual online cooking group to learn new tips and tricks.
Are you into business and investment?
Have you thought of signing up for investment groups where individuals meet up to give each other advice and support?
Do you want to develop your prayer life?
Join a bible study group weekly and get encouragement from others.
Finding your place in community is crucial, especially in times where interactions with others feels so scarce.
I encourage you to look at those things you love doing and find a group of people who can journey along the same passions and talents.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
2. Commit to Building Your House & God’s House
I look back when the prime minister had announced our first lockdown and wondering how it would all work out. How would I cope not being able to see friends and people I served with both in work and church?
It's a good thing companies like Zoom and Hangouts came in handy, as we scheduled hangouts and zoom meetings to see how everyone was doing.
The energy was there, we couldn't believe that we were actually going to be home for a while, and what this would mean for work. As months went on and the daily hangouts would slowly fade as people realised we were actually in this lockdown for quite some time.
It was during this time, I realised that I had to invest more time in family and participating in church activities.
This meant being intentional with my words, time and schedule. Of course, life does bring about uncertain times, but we can learn to trust others that they'll support us when tough times come. Then, we can also do the same, offering encouraging words that build your house for the better.
Committing to building the house creates opportunities through shared conversations and vision of the future. This is something we've now implemented in our household, everyone coming together every fortnight sharing their goals and dreams.
All of this to show that we all win together, even if you have to sacrifice some time to mentor a someone in your home or place of worship, you'll find yourself feel empowerment and content.
“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”— James Allen
3. Expand your network
It's easy to get comfortable with the people in our circle and not branch out. Expanding your network is important, not only in your career or social circle.
You can expand your network through;
Volunteering
Online forums
Finding a mentor
Religious groups
Social group settings
Travel
Alumni associations.
Meeting new people who share a common interest with you can provide new opportunities in business, art and travel. You can also look out for mentors in your field who can give expert knowledge to what you're looking to do.
Social connections can also allow you to share practical wisdom, and build collaborative strategies within a group.
Who can connect with today to expand your network?
4. Give it Time
Building and finding your place in community takes times.
We can often find it difficult to stick with something for a long time if we don't see the benefits straight away. This can cause us to drop out before we start to see friendships blossomed and grow.
One thing I've learnt, especially during lockdown is that investing in a community is essential to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.
I know it can be challenging and uncomfortable meeting new people you've never seen before, but when we take a risk to push past our insecurities we'll find ourselves belonging to a group we can call family.
Take a risk, be vulnerable and stay connected.
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