// Day 1
You Are Not Alone in This

“You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin–to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours–closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.”

+ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Imagine a time when something truly incredible happened, something you never thought was possible. It may have been the first time you attained a platinum trophy for finally completing your favorite game. Maybe it was that time you bested the person who wins every time you play board games with them. You know who I'm talking about, and if you don't... it's you. It may even be when you were accepted into that residency program with limited availability and people you felt were more qualified than you.

Whatever the situation, these moments are not meant to be experienced alone. Celebrating our victories, no matter how significant they may seem, is an essential part of who we are as human beings. We are designed to be in community with each other and with our Creator.

Good times are meant to be shared and victories celebrated! Even a single-player game is crafted in a way that begs those who have experienced it to talk to others about how it made them feel, what they might have done differently and how it may fit into the overall mythos of the story. No game designer or developer wants for those moments to live in a vacuum. They are meant to be shared with others.

As Christian brothers and sisters, we are called to be in community with one another sharing in their joys as well as their sorrows.

In Acts 2 the Greek word used to describe these moments is koinonia. Translated, this word means "intentional fellowship." Intentional, meaning done with deliberate purpose. Fellowship, meaning like-minded people working toward a similar goal either in the short or long term.

Humans are hard-wired for community and Christians are called specifically to koinonia. It is in these spaces, with these people, that we reason together, work out our faith, confess our sins, grieve and celebrate the things that God is doing in the lives of those around us.

It's important to note that koinonia is not limited to extroverts; introverts also benefit from meaningful connections. Loneliness and depression can affect anyone, regardless of their social capacity.

Today we challenge you to go find your fellowship, your guild, your fireteam or your adventuring party. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you and pray for you, even when you're not aware of it. And remember that they need you just as much as you need them.

Together, we can celebrate life's victories, support each other in times of need, and grow in our faith. Embrace koinonia and experience the power of a life lived in community.