The air is cool and crisp after a breezy June storm rolled in following three days of glorious sunshine and big blue skies. Inside the cabin are my kids, my husband, and a few of our staff members from the church we pastor.

These past few days have been filled with laughter, like belly-aching laughter, endless card games, hours of swimming, a few sunburns, birthday celebrations, watching major league baseball, and eating way too much.

The most important thing coming out of this cabin-dwelling week is a greater sense of community. This week I watched three young adults invest endlessly in my three kids. We sat around a campfire and had good long conversations about God, church, work, and future life plans. We cooked, cleaned, made a mess, and lived like a family for a few days.

 I firmly believe that this week will make a radical difference in our friendships. Having a shared experience deepens the level of community and sense of belonging. We may work side by side together every day, but something impactful can happen when you leave the office behind and embrace an adventure.

Sometimes you need to disrupt the flow of everyday life. Heading out on an adventure with your family, friends, co-workers, or church family can create a bond that will increase your relational equity with one another.

Taking time to make these memories will build into your community, and having an increased sense of community in your life can be transformative. These are the people that you will learn to rely on when seasons get tough. You’ll be the person they call when they need a friend to lean on. Community is vitally important for our lives, and it’s worth investing in.

So grab a friend and go on an adventure this summer.

Maybe it’s just down the street for some late-night ice cream, a kayak trip, or a gathering around your campfire on Tuesday night. Perhaps you can get a few days away at a cabin - whatever it looks like, decide to make the time. Choose to have some great conversations. Talk about Jesus and your relationship with Him. Talk about your present and what you are hoping for in the future. Talk about how you guys can be there for each other when things get tough. Laugh, do something silly, and make some memories this summer.

We need each other, sister - make room for what God wants to do in your community. Prioritize some adventure!