It happens in community

Last night two worlds intersected. In one world I am a “leader” on a team of leaders for our church Home Community (see the Imago Dei link). In the other world I am a member of a philosophy discussion group. Both groups talk about similar subjects, but in different ways. When I knew my friend Walter from the Belmont Aristotelians was coming to my Home Community, there was at first some small anxiety. I like Walter; I like my Home Community. I wanted the two worlds to like one another.

Now this is a normal thought to have – who wouldn’t be nervous of the success of such a meeting, if those worlds really are so important? But in the event – my anxiety quickly dispelled! By the end of the night I realize that in fact I implicitly trusted, and rightly, in the integrity, openness and friendliness of both Walter and my Home Community. And both he and they are independent enough that these worlds could meet without any great “connecting” efforts on my part.

It was fantastic! I felt completely at ease, and it made me love all my friends more, for it meant they were true friends, persons in their own right (of course they are!) with something to give and a desire to give it. It meant I could be a friend and a person and not just an “emcee.”

My friends, thank you!