The Wonder of Living in Community

The last nine months have been quite an adventure in learning what it means to live life alongside other Racers constantly, up to 60 at a time – so I thought it would be fun to share some things I have discovered about living in community, for future World Racers.

1. If you don't check your rights and expectations at the door, you will go crazy. Literally. No one will be able to meet your expectations, unless you turn your attention to other's needs and not your own.

2. You WILL have crappy days, and your teammates WILL see them. If you think you're going to be able to put on a perfect face and never get vulnerable with the thoughts inside, you are mistaken. But… your teammates will love you through it, and give you grace even when you don't deserve it.

3. You will eat foods you might not like, and might not necessarily choose at home. Sorry, that's part of the sacrifice you are choosing to make.

4. You WILL have the opportunity to shower at most locations, if you choose to. Please, please choose to, for the sake of your teammates!

5. There will be moments when you just want to sleep, put on a movie, or listen to your iPod – but a teammate needs your listening ear. Those are moments of decision. You have the choice to say yes or no, but if you continue to choose 'no,' you will miss out on good things. So choose wisely!

6. You will learn what it's like to love your teammates, but not necessarily 'like' them all the time – and that's okay. Just know that they will feel that way about you sometimes, too. Again… this is where relying on Jesus for his strength within your weakness will help you to choose grace.

7. Learn how to share. You will be sharing A LOT on The Race – from deodorant to personal snacks to clothes to your computer and iPod. Some moments it will be hard to release whatever it is that you have, but there will also be moments you will need something from a teammate – you will experience the blessing of things shared.

8. You will realize how much you love having people around you. If there are ever moments alone without your teammates, you start to wonder, "how am I ever going to do this when I get home from The Race?"

9. You will notice the little things – like how your teammate decided to do her hair differently or put on makeup – you will also notice the little negative things – like a teammate's sharp response or a bad attitude – but in that, you will also see the growth and transformation in your teammates in a way that feels like a mother watching her little one grow up…. so proud! 🙂

10. You will have a love/hate relationship with living in constant community, but mostly LOVE. You will learn on such a deep level the reality of Philippians 2 working itself out in you and your team. You will learn lessons that will prepare you for marriage like nothing else. You will also see how we were truly designed not to do this life alone. We were created by God to be in community, and it requires much of us. But with as much as it requires, it also gives and blesses us in return!

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish, don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had… Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges (his rights and expectations); he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on the cross."