It is great to be sitting outside again. It rained for 36 hours straight with gusty winds cutting through anything in their path. I’ve had a few casualties….a plastic tripod is now out of commission and we cannot quite get all of the signage up just yet. Beyond that-it’s just good to be outside.
For the most part yesterday I sat in the shack. Equipped with a light and a small heater it was pretty cozy and not quite claustrophobic. I had enough room to sit in my folding chair and one extra for visiting guests. I would like to think we redefined “shacking up” in a more Christian community based context. I was reminded of some of the Peanuts cartoons and considered putting a sign on the door with “Doctor $.05” The conversations were great-some were catch up with visiting college students, a few old stories, and discussions about Christian Community which then became a discussion starter for our Bible Study/Community Group later that evening. Despite the rain and damp-there was a feeling of warmth and friendship throughout the day. It reminded me of days when people would sit on their front porch and chat or when everyone had an open door policy just to drop by and say hello. Thanks to air conditioners and garages, we’ve lost this art. We’ve sacrificed being personal with now being private. People in poverty-they haven’t lost this. It is something maybe we should relearn and reclaim. In poverty, neighborhoods are called ghettos. In middle class or wealth they are called subdivisions or gated communities…why is that? Why have we lost the art of families from different economic backgrounds living around each other, learning, and supporting one another? By doing that and becoming more privatized-we have a difficult time forming community and establishing solid relationships and friendships. As much as I hate to say it, take a look at our churches…they most likely are organized the same way…what does that say about our ability to connect and create Christian community with everyone? We have a great challenge before us.
Trust me-I’m working on this too…praying about my role…wondering how I might be more effective and consistent building relationships with people from many backgrounds. I solicit your prayers for that as well. We are excited about the many visitors and people stopping by. Some are using technology to make donations. So, a few more days to go and a little less than $7000. We can do it!
Blessings!
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