Community is an important idea to many of us. We all live in communities of some kind and we interact within sub-communities of our community as a whole. Maybe you live in a city, have a church community that you belong to, and also have a work group that is also part of your community experience.
We are social animals and we often seek interaction with others. These days our communities may be physical groups or virtual groups. You're reading this on a social media platform and that is also a way that you interact with others.
Regardless, lately I've been reminded of the importance of community. As our world has changed over the past year or so each of us has reacted in different ways. Each of us has dealt with the pandemic based on our belief systems, our station in life, our family and friends, and other considerations. And for some of us, maybe all of us, there was no blueprint for how to move forward in this strange new world.
I say all of this because, as we move closer to normal, I'm noticing some things.
And it flies in the face of some of the things that people would have us to believe.
I'm starting to see people realize again that we, humanity, share common goals.
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "How in the world can he believe that now?"
We've been through divisive political times here in our country. There's escalating tensions between countries of the world, both major and minor. There's lingering, doubts, fear, and distrust everywhere.
But I still see it.
And I still feel it.
And maybe I'm wrong.
But a friend reminded me lately of what it felt like after 9/11. And I agree with him.
First of all, it's hard to believe that was 20 years ago. But I remember the feeling of community that emerged after 9/11. For a brief instant, this country came together. No matter where you were, it seemed like people were a little nicer to each other. That we paused a little longer to check on people. That we donated, we volunteered, and we cared a little more. Even if it was briefly.
I feel that way now.
We are coming out of a year that many of us never saw coming. And quite frankly, that very few of us were prepared for.
I've noticed a sense of relief with people as many begin to emerge physically, mentally, and socially from the shadows and begin to reacclimate themselves to the light.
And I've noticed that we are caring about each other a little more.
This has been a rough year.
But we are coming out on the other side a little closer and a little stronger.
Over the past month or so, I've seen people in my community of Newton really reaching out to support others.
Many businesses both new and old in the city have held fundraisers for non-profit entities seeking to help people (and animals) that have suffered through this year.
Leading the way are many bars, breweries, and restaurants. One could argue that those who were hit hardest by the pandemic are those also leading the charge to help people.
Other local groups have come together to help friends who have had health issues. Small groups have come together to clean, to beautify, to plant, to somehow, in someway make things better for others.
And this has all happened despite our differing political beliefs, our different views on religion, or any other things that people might use to define and/or divide us.
In the end, we are all part of one big human community, and we can put our arms around each other and lift each other up. I hope if we have learned anything from this pandemic it is that life can change in an instant and that we are all in this together.
Let's take care of each other.
Y'all have a great day.
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