Community, friendship and the sharing of life with friends is something that my heart desires.
As a military wife, community is something that seems to come and go with each duty station.
In some locations community has been full and rich.
That was my experience in Germany, a spot that was hard on our family. But the blessings of the community that was there with me helped me through those hard times.
I had survival sisters and best friends that I will cherish forever.
And in others, it has completely eluded me.
In this place, where we have been for the last two and almost a half years, community has not been found. My longing for it has been desperate, and I have resided myself to it’s absence.
But even as we’re planning our next move, I have not given up on this pursuit.
This is something that I am learning…the pursuit of your dreams, even your dreams for community, must never be given up.
In May I am joining a Bible study group with other women and I’m doing to dive in as hard as I can.
We may only have six weeks left, but I’m going to live hard and fierce in these six weeks.
I have a new friendship developing and in some ways I hear the murmurings of “there’s not enough time…no time to develop this”. But God can richly bless in short time. This short time can be a blessing to my life and to the lives of the women God has for me to form community with.
As a military spouse I often have to work harder and with more intention to cultivate community, but the blessing of community is worth every bit of it.
Have you found community where you are?
This post is linked to Five Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama.
Each we she extends an invitation to write, no overthinking, no editing, for just five minutes.
The topic this week was Community.
Kristi says
Thanks for writing about this. I thought that community would be natural and easy in this lifestyle that we are still new to. I thought that the chapel would be an easy, natural place to find it but it has been very difficult. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only chaplains wife with that struggle.
Monica says
I thought the same things. I remember reading books and articles focused on military families and them mentioning how military women “bond quickly” because they have to. That was my expectation. And when that didn’t happen, I was hurt and very discouraged. So, no, it’s not easy or natural (at least, it hasn’t always been for me). Please take comfort in knowing that you are not the only chaplain’s wife that has this struggle. ((hugs))
Rachel says
Sending strength your way as you seek for that ever-elusive community. Sometimes it feels like progress seems minuscule, but then one moment you wake up and it explodes into bloom. Prayers that those connection points develop double-time! 🙂
Jodi says
Boy to I understand this. When we lived in Northern VA, I felt so alone. No community or friends. It was a hard time. Moving overseas for the second time, I was determined to dive right in. Thankfully God has truly blessed us, with wonderful friendships and ways to serve Him. I pray you will find community when you move this time. Military life is not easy, but can be very rewarding.
Are you allowed to say where the military will be taking you?
Mary says
I’m blessed to have found a great community where I live. (Of course, we don’t move, so I can’t begin to relate to moving and finding community over and over) I’m glad you’re joining a Bible Study and becoming more connected. 🙂