i've been thinking a lot about community.
what sort of time and energy needs to be put in?
what about all the different categories of life?
what about extended and immediate family?
what makes it intentional?
what makes it authentic?
what about distance?
what about family as a whole?
what about individually?
what does it look like?
how do you balance it?
how do you pick and choose?
where do you pour your energy?
how do you define community in your life?
how do you jump in with both feet?
i don't have the answers and i know they look different for everyone.
until we strike our balance we'll just keep on keeping on...
one text, dinner, phone call, email, letter,
parking lot conversation at a time.
i think about this from time to time, as we discuss it all the time as a church. from our church community, to our school community, to our college friends, and then family - one side or the other. community seems to change for me, depending on the circle i'm in. i'm thinking i need all of the different kinds of community to help keep me balanced. sometimes i'm off and i either need a talk with my mom or sister, or i crave my church, or maybe i'm inspired by a chat with an acquaintance at the post office.
ReplyDeletei certainly need it more than i think i do. and i long to be closer to my immediate family, although i have a lovely "community" here where i live.
thoughtful, as always, sarah.
these photos speak great volumes.
ReplyDeleteand the questions are rather thought-provoking....
i'm a loner, but at times i crave and seek community with those who i am a part of.
Sarah - I've been pondering this so much lately. It seems so many 'things' call to us. I know I need to simplify and put my family and health at the very top of my priorities. Thanks for this lovely post and your closing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteindeed. community has grown exponentially. thank goodness, because how would i know you otherwise...
ReplyDelete