Such is the priviledge that I get every Sunday evening as I meet with my community group from Athens Church. Our group is comprised of 11 guys from ages 23-29, and of those 11 we usually have 9-10 that make it each week.
I think of myself as a social "drifter" meaning that I always sort of drift from social group to social group, always interacting with friends and constantly meeting new people. There comes a point, however, when a person needs to slow down and instead of initiating new relationships, we should be developing the ones that we have. Such as the relationship I have with these guys in my small group.
It is a simple concept, but it is one that I have been late to actualize in my life. And because of it, I have found myself with several hundreds of friends here in Athens, but often with nothing to do on the weekends outside of church and football games.
I will dive into this a little bit more later, as I have a pretty substantial analysis of the psychology behind this social conundrum.
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2 comments:
So glad you liked your small group :) I actually got to come with Karen and new roomie Nancy to Athens church this Sunday, and despite it being an AWFUL day today, somehow I felt energized this morning as I stepped into chaos (aka work). Honestly, I've missed the joy of coming to church every week...the song was great!
I know what you mean too about the trying to find things to do on the weekend...I attribute it to being a 3-4th year transfer who knew no one here! Even with roommates, most of the people you meet won't become your best friends.
Em
You didn't write more later...
So glad I stumbled upon your blog. I wish I could read more but I have to go to work!
My first thought on this particular entry is that a big problem with having hundreds of friends is that every one assumes you have something better to do than hang out with them. I think when you have tons of friends you end up having to do MORE work to make sure you're doing things with them; you end up being the one to organize outings, plan game nights, etc.
I know you wrote this a long time ago, but I figured it's still relevant. How has your philosophy of connection/deepening relationships been working out??
love,
Hayley
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