The Gift of Community.

Let me start by saying this: the end of the school year is always stressful and exhausting. As an educator, you’re constantly moving, constantly pouring out, and rarely sure if you’re coming or going. The students feel it too—some become restless, some anxious. For some, summer means uncertainty, a lack of structure, or even a lack of basic needs. For others, it’s excitement, vacations, and counting down the days.

And in the middle of all of that… I am tired.

The emotions from both students and staff are all over the place. But do you want to know what keeps me grounded? What keeps me balanced?

My community.

The women God has placed around me—their children, their husbands, their presence in my life—are such a gift. I am surrounded by God-fearing women who don’t hesitate when I say, “I need prayer.” They step in. They lift me up. They remind me that I am not running on my own strength, but on God’s strength.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That verse feels especially real in this season. Because through my community, I experience that rest. I am reminded that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

And I don’t take that for granted—not for a second. Because I remember a time when I felt the exact opposite.

When we moved here, I left everything I had ever known. My family, my childhood friends—everyone was within 30 minutes of me, and suddenly they were 2½ hours away. On top of that, I was pregnant. I felt isolated. I felt alone.

We started attending a new church, and they talked a lot about “community.” But if I’m being honest, I didn’t fully understand what that meant. Growing up, I thought community was just the people around you—neighbors, events, parades.

I didn’t yet understand that true, God-centered community is so much deeper.

It’s surrounding yourself with people who will lift you when life feels heavy. People who will have hard conversations with you. People who will love you in every season—not just the easy ones.

Slowly, God began to rebuild that for me.

I joined groups. I showed up. And God faithfully placed people in my life—people who are no longer temporary, but permanent. Women I can now call sisters. Women who have become family. Women I have been blessed to add to my circle of women I grew up with.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25

That’s what community has been for me: encouragement, accountability, love, and presence.

The other day, I was talking to my children. They were sharing about a friend who wanted to move because “there’s nothing to do here.” And honestly, I get that—especially from a kid’s perspective.

But I told them something I’ve only truly learned recently myself:

Wherever you go, if you’re only looking for things to do, you’ll eventually get bored. Experiences fade. Activities run out. But people—that’s what makes a place meaningful.

I told them, “Wherever you go, find good people. Find people who feel like family. Find the ones you can sit around a fire with, talk for hours, and walk away knowing you just made a core memory.”

Because it’s not about what’s around you.

It’s about who is around you.

It took me 39 years to really understand that. I am so thankful that I finally do. And even more thankful that I can pass that truth down to my children—and to anyone reading this.

Community is beautiful.
Community is a blessing.
Community is God-ordained.

We were never meant to do this life alone.

So, if you’re in a season where you feel isolated or disconnected, I encourage you—find a church. Find one that prioritizes connection. Join a group. Take the step, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

Because on the other side of that step could be the very people God designed to walk through life with you.

And my girls—they know who they are—I would be lost without them. I am deeply thankful that God, in His goodness, saw exactly what I needed and provided it in the form of people.

And that… is a gift I will never stop being grateful for.

God’s Love & Mine,

Carrie