In Community

What is “community?”
Noun - a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
Sometimes those we agree with also become those that we disagree with as well. In families one learns both the spoken and unspoken rules to continue to be in “community.” I remember several “home rules” growing up. One that has been seared into my brain was “when the streetlights come on, it is time to come inside.” My younger brother and I liked to play hide n seek in the neighborhood. One evening we were on our last round of the game as dusk was beginning. “We need to go in” I said. “No, not quite yet” he said…” just don’t look at the lights and hide fast. It will be ok.” Later seeing my mother’s stern face, hearing her words “you know better,” made me recognize the importance of “family rules.”

My brother and I were part of our family and part of a larger neighborhood as well.  We were living life with young people who had varying freedoms and boundaries, while at the same time living within a family system that created a certain tension or conflict because of a value system. It is interesting that I do not remember what everyone in the neighborhood thought or believed; only that it was fun to play games, ride bikes, create something out of nothing and enjoy our “block” in this neighborhood.
Now, many years later I see my parent’s wisdom in allowing us to be part of the neighborhood while maintaining our own family identity. We were usually the first to come home in the evening, held to high standards in school, and going to church was more than an expectation. Yet our interactions were positive, influential, and perhaps shaped not only my memories but the lives of others in the “hood.”

Fast forward 50 years later and the lifestyle has continued. My neighbors call me by name, talk about life in the cul-de-sac, ask questions about children, and send cards of care. We interact within our neighborhood as we are connected in this time and space. We are community. This sense of community has lived on. It is a blessing that I am grateful for and long to pass on to the next generation.

4832 Ponderings
Who are my neighbors?
How am I staying connected?