Community

I am not a huge tv watcher. I used to scan the channels and watch whatever caught my fancy. But, now, with my new more routine schedule and the addition of a DVR, I have specific shows that I watch. I haven't fallen into a 'show for every day' routine, rather just a few nights a week. Tuesdays is The Biggest Loser. I love me some good cryin'. And, I do cry every. single. week. Thursdays is my line up of NBC favorites; Parks and Recreation, The Office and my new fave - Community. Community is about Jeff, a lawyer who gets disbarred and must get a real college degree from the United States, not Columbia - as in the country. So, he lands at a community college and forms a spanish study group with the washed up athlete, the retiree trying to keep his mind fresh, the 'hot' girl who took a detour in life, the middle aged single mom making a fresh start, the kid with social skills issues and the too smart for her own good overachiever. After making a wreck of the group's emotions, he calms them down with an eloquent speech that ends with the statement "And, now you are a community".
This show is absolutely hilarious, but also very thought provoking. How does a motley crew like this seem to meet one another's needs academically, emotionally, and sometimes even physically (Jeff has to live with one of the other students when he gets kicked out of his apartment and is found living in his car - classic) when they are all so different? It all comes down to that word "Community". The word community can refer to the location in which you live, but that does not necessarily mean that you are living in true community.
The origin of the word "community" comes from the Latin munus, which means the gift, and cum, which means together, among each other. So, community literally means to give among each other. And, that is true community. Giving of one's self, time, emotions, talent, efforts; all of you. True community is risky. It has the potential to hurt you. You may not be able to walk away unscathed, but isn't that kind of the point. To NOT walk away. Rather, to fight and give till you have nothing left to give. True community comes with so many more blessings and rewards. You find relationships that will last a lifetime. You have love and support during your darkest times. You have joy and celebration in the good times.
My community is not where I live - although I am enjoying my new residential location very much. My community is where my heart and soul live with others, spread out all over the country, but connected by a love for one another and a passion to serve God. He is at the center of my community. Although, the proximity of my community has changed recently, I know I will forever give of myself together with them. Love you guys (oh, you know who you are!)

A Season of Change II

Little did I know two years ago when I wrote the previous post exactly how much change was really ahead for me and my family! With the most recent changes, I am feeling the urge to blog again. I don't know how long it will last, but I will do my best to post a few thoughts from time to time. It may be funny quips about my kids or my job or may be some deep thoughts about life and its ever changing, yet constant meaning.
So, today I will leave you with a verse that I am pondering.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always;

Pray continually;

Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.