What if what we need most...
is each other
I’ve been struggling on my runs lately. They’re actually one of my favorite ways to connect with Jesus—worship tunes in my ears, time to praise and worship Him, remembering who He is and how much He loves me as I run beautiful wooded trails. They usually invigorate me. But recently I’ve felt s-l-o-w. My runs have felt h-a-r-d. It’s been hot and humid and harder to breathe in the rainforest-like-August of Ohio.
The other day my kids ran with me, and it changed everything. We did a “jam” on Spotify, listening to the same Jesus jams in our own headphones. We chatted, pointed out the beauty around us, checked in on each other’s breathing and bodies. We were quiet some, letting our own thoughts untangle in our heads as our legs propelled us forward. Just knowing my kids were there with me, that they too were hearing Chandler Moore and Brandon Lake sing about Praise, that they were sweet enough to slow down their paces to run at my slower pace just so we could be together, put a spring in my stride.
Instead of gasping at the end of my run, we actually picked up the pace. Our last minute was our fastest.
What if what we need most is each other?
Not a new route or new workout plan or new shoes or a personal trainer. Not more miles or fewer faster miles. None of these things are bad, and some can even be helpful, but God created us for community!
Together we’ll slow down to notice a sunrise or daisies dotting a field, caution each other about the puddle or obstacle ahead. We’ll check in—you okay? Is this the right pace for you? Do you need some water? Together we’ll laugh more, be braver, go faster than we knew we could.
You’re catching on that this isn’t just about running, right?
Have a heap of laundry? I bet that other mama does too. What if you spent an hour today at her house while your littles played together and you both folded her heap of clothes? Tomorrow they can come to your place and fold your heap. In recovery? Why not reach out to that acquaintance you know who is also in recovery and invite them to attend a meeting with you? Clueless on how the new school operates? Invite a neighbor to attend meet the teacher night with you, compare notes, and ask each other questions afterwards. God didn’t say, “It’s not good for man to be alone,” as some passing comment. He meant it! We actually thrive when we’re together!
This is your nudge to call or text a friend today. To invite someone to study with you or sit next to you at orientation or attend the class or group session together. If the work you’re doing, the season you’re in, the tasks you’re completing are feeling mundane or exhausting, there’s nothing like a friend to put a spring in your stride.
Praying you reach out to someone else and experience the joy of community. xo, Laura
For a great conversation on how to find, navigate, and thrive in community check out my recent chat with my friend, Alli Patterson on my podcast HERE.
And there are two chapters in Brave Woman, Mighty God that talk about how life-giving doing things with others can be. Check it out HERE.
