I’m a visual person and I love the description used in this passage of springs amidst the Valley of Baca. Springs that enable the writer to go about their journey refreshed and refueled. In my own life, the first “spring” that comes to mind is the Crosstalk community I experienced in my college years at Texas State. Amidst a crafty and confused campus, those spring-like friendships kept me grounded in God’s love, grace, and truth. We laughed together, learned together, grew together, and shared in many difficult conversations together.
Whether it was Community Group, the larger weekly Crosstalk gatherings on campus, or random social hangouts, I can’t imagine who I’d be today without the intentional community I belonged to. Post-graduation, I’m grateful to be a part of another spring-like Community Group, along with close friends who continue to be a source of safety, encouragement, and much-needed refreshment. I pray that I am that for others as well. Lord, thank You for the gift of community!