COMMUNITY

 Dear Friends,

The concept of community is wide and varied. Here are some of my thoughts, drawn from different sources:

The ideal of a community would be a group of people working together, who share a common goal, while respecting and supporting each individual member and their point of view. There can be differences of opinion, but ultimately, the end goal must be kept in mind.

As teenagers and young adults, we begin to wonder who we are, what is our purpose, why are we here? We are trying to figure out who we are, but at the same time, we are searching for inclusion. We look at the world around us and ask, what is working, what is not working, sometimes with great vigor and even rebellion.

Who am I? This can be a lifelong question. Meditation is often suggested to help us find our center, which is why I like our Sunday service – it lends itself to contemplation and meditation. In turning our thoughts inward, we can find our way to the Christ.

John the Baptist exhorted people to change their way of thinking, or one could say, to put aside everyday matters and troubles long enough to gaze inwardly. This can be a very long process, requiring patience.

It is an interesting thing that the closer we come to understanding ourselves, the more open we are to understanding others – a kind of transformation of soul takes place. The more we can connect our individual I am, to the I AM of Christ, the more we become interested in being of service to others. I have always found it helpful to try not to dwell too much on my own troubles, and turn instead to helping others. I can also remind myself not to judge the actions of others too harshly, for I have not walked in their shoes.

We can become more aware of the effect of our own words and actions on others. We can even ask ourselves, what is potentially helpful, and what is potentially a hindrance. Am I serving only my ego, or ultimately, am I serving others?

What is happening right now in the world? Chaos seems to reign everywhere we look. Chaos is the mechanism of a soul process of transformation. Me and my wrestling soul may lie lamenting on the ground, but if I keep a picture of Christ leading the way, I know I can win through to finding peace in the eye of the storm.

Today, we are witnessing in the physical world, a great battle for the soul of all human beings. There is a saying: as above, so below. That would suggest that there is a battle happening as well in the spiritual world. As individuals, and in communities, perhaps we can feel that we are being called to join in this battle. Not through war or terrorism, fear mongering or pillaging, but in finding our path to the Being of the Christ, and standing steadfast.

Lastly, some words from Psalm 23:

He leads me beside still waters…

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me….

Sparky