Made for Community

This morning, a friend brought her children over.  They played without intervention for 90 minutes.  These aren't teenagers, people.  They are ages 18 mos, almost 3, 2 - 4 year olds, and an 8 year old.


 There is no reason it should've gone so well except that, I believe, they are made for community.

They played their little hearts out... sidewalk chalk, legos, the sandbox, some lunch, running, laughing and having a good ol' time.  They served us coffee and came and went from the potty as needed. 


Then our friends went home and the peace of nap time fell.  I cleaned the kitchen.  My husband is able to work from home.  And I'm doing one of my favorite things... blogging.  Tonight, we'll pack up the kids to go spend time with more friends, and our four blessings will come home tired and go to bed with no complaint. 

It's a good day at our house... 

because they are getting what they need...

children need community. 

Living in community gives my children an example of good behavior.  Sure, my 3 year old throws fits, but since the 8 year old didn't, she didn't. 

Living in community doesn't allow for boredom.  There's always someone to play with so no one was clingy or whiny. 

Living in community makes them tired.  They all went down for naps without complaint. 

And sometimes, my children give me insight... 

Like the time I said, "Please stop crying. When have I ever not fed you?" 

It was like He said to me, "I take care of your needs too."

I am like them. 

I need community.   

Living in community gives me an example of good behavior. Sure, I get angry and raise my voice at my children sometimes, but since my friend didn't, I didn't either.

Living in community doesn't allow for boredom. There's always someone to encourage and be encouraged by.  It is when I am idle that my little hands find mischief.

Living in community makes me tired but in a good way.  I feel refreshed too.  When I lay my head down tonight I won't be thinking about Reality TV characters.  I'll be thinking about my real friends and neighbors... praying for situations in their life, celebrating their children's birthdays, and laughing about life. 

I think it was different when the world was bigger,

when cars were slower,

and plane tickets were expensive. 

I think people lived near family and ate on the front porch. 

I think it was different when we weren't so entertained,

when there were only 3 channels,

and when the Internet was science fiction. 

I think there was a time when coffee tables were for afternoon coffee and TV trays had no place. 

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(yes, I see the irony that I'm blogging about this)