Since leaving UGA, one of the things I miss most about the ministry I left, is the desire for students to be around each other. There was this factor, where people had a genuine to be in one another's lives. It wasn't just about going to the events, but rather engaging in what was going on outside of the meetings. It was life. We hung out and we were friends.
Its nothing against Alabama at all, its just that here its a little different. When I showed up on the seen, I quickly saw that things were a bit different. The ministry is heavily dominated by greek students, and one thing true of greek students, is they certainly don't fight for attention or things to do. They don't really need more hang out opportunities. So for them...there wasn't the dying desire to always be around one another. The part that got to me, is I wanted that to exist, because I've seen the power of true community. I've seen it work to build up the body and edify one another to grow in the image of Christ. I just can't make people want to hang out though and do life together.
So we went on fall retreat this weekend. It was a great group, about 35 students total. The talks were fabulous, worship was moving, and discussions were enlightening, but the community is what left me hungry. It left me hungry because it left me exposed. It was fun and energetic yet full of the gospel being lived out. There is always something a little different about being on a retreat..you are in a place where its almost "easy" to do that. You are surrounded by Christians, in this bubble, and its no big deal almost. But what about when you get home. Does that continue. It becomes rock bottom, as you return to reality that that community doesn't truly exist. But people want that community I saw. They want that in their lives. They want to go deeper.
We got home around three in the afternoon on Sunday. A group of us play soccer at 8 on Sundays...we have been doing that for weeks now. About 10-15 other people showed up to watch and cheer us on. It was a hang out. After the game, people wanted to go to Ihop, where we stayed for about 2 hours sitting and talking together. I had a moment sitting at the table remembering driving back when people said "this week would be awful. I can't do anything fun this week because I have so much work to do..." They all said that just about. Yet they were all hanging out. Its not that they were lying, its that they were seeing that community is worth it. Its life giving and sustaining. While we were hanging out, we decided to hang out again on Thursday to watch a scary movie and also have a halloween party on Friday. I just love it...its an answered prayer of over a year (from when I was assigned to come here...)
Over the weekend, something I noticed, was people stepping out of their comfort zone to reach into other's lives. They are no longer satisfied with the little lives they have built up for themselves. They want more, and praise the Lord, there is more to be hand. Oh, the excitement.
1 comment:
That's awesome to hear! We're kind of having the same issue here I think. It's kind of an unspoken issue though... and I believe it to be the root behind a lot of problems. That's so great to hear though, I'll pray it continues!
Also, I finally got one... hah =P
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