Community: 19 April 2009

Dear Friends,

Last year I wrote often of the Eastern Bluebirds that took up residence in one of our birdhouses and tracked the progress and wonder of their time with us during the spring and summer months. Well, they’re back!!! It felt a little early because of the still cold weather, but one month ago, lo and behold, I caught a glimpse of something very familiar while going out to get the mail. It took off quickly toward the north side of the house so I rushed inside and went to the bedroom window. Sure enough, there he was...an Eastern bluebird perched in the tree by the little white birdhouse! Since that time both male and female bluebirds have been seen sparingly until two days ago. Last evening I watched intently as they perched on the tree by the birdhouse, fluttered down to the ground, took turns entering the birdhouse. They’re so busy; they’re so focused on building this year’s nest – getting their “house” ready. And they work so in unison with each other, this community of two.

Last weekend our grandson was here and injured his knee while driving his go-cart. After a trip to the emergency room, where he was examined and x-rays were taken, we returned home with instructions to use crutches, rest, and intermittently put ice on his knee. He and I did not make it to church on Easter. We followed the instructions given to us and kept ice on his knee – 20 minutes on; 20 minutes off. While we waited for grandpa to return from church, I pulled out two bibles: our grandson’s and mine, and we took turns reading Luke’s account of the resurrection (24:1-12) to each other. We then talked about what Easter means. There we were, the two of us, gathered together on the couch, breaking open the Word – a community of two in the presence of the Sacred.

The experience of these two separate occasions brought forth some ponderings on what it takes to be community. It occurs to me that community can take many forms and be comprised of many (or few) participants. What makes a community is not merely a bunch of people (or birds) being in the same place at the same time. Community is not merely a gathering of the like-minded (does something like that really exist?). Community is not even ruled or governed or presided over by someone, though some communities are. But that’s not an essential element of being community. True community is not ridden with power, control, arrogance, dominance, suppression, oppression, anger, superiority, guilt. Community is not about holding on to “what’s mine” but is about letting go and empowering the other to share their God-given talents. What is essential to true community is living and being with a sense of togetherness – caring for each other, working together for the good of the whole, meeting and accepting and valuing each other regardless of where we are on our life or faith path, and loving each other just as we are. It’s all about being “of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32) no matter the “size” of the community. It’s all about Love.

Peace on the Journey