Living in the Now: The Problem with Community

Chewing on this one, so feel free to leave your two cents. I'm hearing a theme I never noticed. Being good, peculiar folk, some of my circles are deepening the practice of living well in community with others. Any sort of relationship, from your intimate family to the random person in the grocery aisle. How do we love well? 

This sneaky little temptation to fix them sometimes comes to play. Often, just lending a listening ear leads to helpless grieving, since the more you listen the more you bear their burden with them. Speaking too quickly or offering general advice can be downright offensive. Personal brisk pace and weariness can build a barrier to intimacy because I've left no room to experience your journey with you. It just can't be endured. There is a frailty that comes in extending compassion, in loving well, in being together, in living in community. What's a neighbor to do?

Practically Speaking: Happy Valentines Day!

Maybe its the bleary winter weather and we want a party, or maybe we're really rowdy Greeks after all. Regardless, our family has a sweet passion for Valentine's Day. My dad gave me my first rose and my first box of chocolates when I was 8 years old. As I grew, my family usually exchanged cards with each other. Homemade notes were the favorite. By the time my senior year of high school, Valentine's Day became an all out lasagna dinner with lots of candles, decorations, and flowers. These days, with all the in-laws and extra friends, our numbers have easily doubled round the table, except now you're required to wear a red shirt if you want dessert (its worth it, trust me). The longer I live, the more I value the passionate family love we all share: God's greatest gift of grace. This sweet time makes Valentine's Day one of our favorite holidays. Celebrate with us!