Community

Read an article recently about a trend of slowing down, that folks are moving too fast. They want their life to move at a more leisurely pace. It talk about people not know their neighbors, their community. It discussed a yearning for yesteryears when folks had more community -- whether through their town, neighborhood or organizations.

Wow, how blessed am I? Though life goes faster than I would like -- I've got a great set of neighbors and a wonderful community and church. People know me and my family. We joke Eli won't be able to get away with anything growing up -- cuz folks know who he is and will tell us if there is any trouble.

Lots of people don't have that and that makes me sad. For what they are missing that link to community - that sense of belonging and caring.

That wonderful sense of belonging comes with a responsiblity as I see it, to serve in the community where I'm placed. I went to a rural conference this last weekend and met a lot of people who get community and the responsibilities that comes with being a part of a small community. They all were committed to making their small town the best it could be, whatever that looked it. I went with that same purpose in mind for my small town. Of course, I'm only one person, but I gained new ideas on many different topics and was refreshed to be surrounding by so many other rural people who also feel very passionate about where they and their family lives and making a difference in their community.

Another community of support I'm blessed with is web based -- through blogging. I now check in, if not daily, at least every several days with my dear friends to see how they are doing and how I can pray over them and for them. I so appreciate their inspiring words, thoughts and opinions. This relatively new venture for me has brought a closeness to dear dear friends that I don't often get to see face-to-face and yet are a very important part of my life and community! I'm thankful.