I was at the crossing guard corner this morning that I have worked for seven months. I had this sense of community. What is your idea of community?
I took some kids across the street that I happen to now know by name. I have a few details of his life and find the kid very polite and pleasant. I also happen to know his parents vehicles now. His dad drives the Skinner Carpet Cleaning van. He waves every time we see each other. One day I got his attention, he rolled down his window and I reminded him that I appreciate the politeness and friendliness of his son. I think a parent needs to know they are doing a good job and their children are respected out there in the community.
I wave at five or six bus drivers. Most wave back except one. I might think he is a grumpy driver, but I will just believe that he is very dedicated to his driving and wants both hands on the wheel when driving kids to school. I have a couple of high school students who wave. I have a retired guy, a couple of ladies and the real estate mom taking her daughter to school who are all faithful to make a friendly wave.
Then there are the junior high and senior high students who visit with me while waiting for their bus.
With time I have become somewhat acquainted with insurance agents, real estate agents and carpet cleaners. Bus drivers and students and the occasional Ankeny citizens have been my acquaintances. I have two who are the Flemings friends who also make regular contact with me. What an intricate web of community that passes each morning for 45 minutes.
That sense of community was kept in mind when I moved into another community in my day. College students. Two former students and I had conversations today. It was good to catch up. And there was the present class that was just coming back from spring break.
So community might not just be the city we live in. It could be this circle of friends and then the work clientele and the neighborhood. We might have three or four communities that we interact within during any one day. Some of those communities have other interactions that overlap. An example: a college student is now in my church community.
So what is my point? Many people are friendly. A few are too busy to be friendly right now. I was thinking about being the city on the hill, the light that shines for Christ and not hidden under a basket. Recognize your community or communities and be a light that shines for others.
