The Price of Community is Inconvenience

Photo credit: “A Night Out” (source: Pinterest)

I’ve been seeing this phrase circulating around online, and it made me laugh at first. Mostly because I thought it was sarcasm or a joke. But, once I really scanned the phrase once more - I realized it’s some truth to it entirely.

Community isn’t during cozy times - or when schedules are aligned. It’s in fact- almost never convenient. Unfortunately, we’ve been spoiled by convenience and ease. Starving our dearest connections because we need “perfect timing.”

Well… what is perfect timing?

Perfect Timing Doesn’t Exist

It literally doesn’t. It’s all subjective to whomever is navigating their own schedule, calendar, or to-do list. Somewhere down the line, technology and the belief of being “too busy” for the standard things in life, people have completely become adamant on the idea that even their own personal connections are something that can be bookmarked, favorited, and saved for later. The thought of attending a concert that’s a little out of the way, or a random dinner out, or maybe even a movie night seems to be too much if it’s not at the perfect time and on the perfect day. Connections that were meant to be strengthened slowly unravel, one re-scheduled event at a time. Friendships turn into acquaintances, all because we’ve gotten used to the convenience of comfort. Or maybe the comfort in convenience.

Community Equals Presence

You really just have to show up. Despite it being your self care night, or thirty minutes before a football game starting on cable. If only everyone’s schedule could align perfectly, we’d never have to extend for one another. But that’s not reality, and to garner those connections people seem to loathe about online - it’s a need to be present. Every small step, including attending a card game night on a Friday night right after work, or a thirty minute phone call for a vent session when you really need to start dinner, ties together a sacred bond that can easily be missed if it’s pushed aside for our own comfortability.

Now there’s obviously a difference between over extending versus being present, however, if connection is something people crave - and depth is what some have been dreaming of, it’s vital to understand that community doesn’t mean doing the most, but showing people you care. That’s what makes it all meaningful. Sacred connections are worth adjusting for.