“I personally think that each person has gifts to offer community. I gravitate to communities where people can bring themselves, their talents, their rich life experiences to community without being branded as "conceited," "remedial," or "outcast." What's one gift that you enjoy giving to community? What intangible gift did someone give to you that changed your life?”I enjoy it when friends on Facebook ask interesting questions... but this is one question (actually two) that gave me pause. I don’t think that the soundbite nature of FB would allow for a proper answer. I know that I could probably come up with a few clever words that world fit in the little comment box, but this hit home in a way that a few words would not do justice. It touches upon something that has troubled me since so much changed nearly five years ago.
Sharon, who asked the question, was part of one community that was important to my life during a period when many communities formed and I had the great joy of finding a sense of belonging... and acceptance. It was as if someone was throwing pebbles into a pond and several circles formed. Each was expanding and grew to the point of overlapping. While these communities were composed of different people and for different reasons, there were common threads. We were more than individuals coming together; we were different people but like-minded in our pursuit and desire to seek something greater. There was great respect and even love in what we were able to share. This was multiplied by the sheer number of people I connected with in a short period of time. I doubt this will ever occur again, to this degree... it had its time and it served its purpose. Still... there remains an emptiness where there was once an abundance of fulfillment.
The pebbles sank, the ripples dispersed, and nothing since has taken its place. This phenomenon occurred when I needed it most. Almost as soon as the need changed, the communities faded and I moved on. Sadly, I do not feel much a part of anything these days. It seems that this is a time to sit back and reflect on what has been and what needs to be. The gifts from this time are the great lessons I learned from each individual and each community. I carry them with me and incorporate them into my daily life. You are all still with me when I reach out to others.
So, to answer your question Sharon, there are several gifts that I enjoy bringing to community. All are a part of what of what is unique to me, but not necessarily unique in itself... my sense of humor, the joy of listening in silence, providing half of what can become a connection, and most important of all, my heart. The latter comes with great risk, but has proven, again and again, to bring the greatest reward. Those very same intangible, yet palpable gifts from others are the ones that have changed my life.
