Finding Community

There are kids playing besides each other

and hands on my shoulder as we pray aloud.

There are dress-up dinner parties

and meal deliveries after babies are born.

There are child-swapping mornings for medical appointments

and encouraging text messages on hard days.

These are simple moments in our days, and yet they represent our deepest prayer upon moving half way across the country. These are experiences that happen when we live in community with others.

And while I never thought that we’d find it again so soon, we have.

We prayed for people to experience life beside; to be authentic with; for individuals who sharpen us; people to lean on and who lean on us in return; for authentic connections…all encompassed in this thing called relationship.

Thank you God for hearing and delivering on our prayers in such a meaningful way.

(And thanks, Cincinnati, for being full of people so welcoming to newcomers)

This city has taught me the power in saying hello to an unfamiliar face,

Inviting strangers in to your home and lives like they’re family,

and making space in life for new relationships no matter our age, calendar, or situation.