A Way of Community That is Enough

I always thought that I did not have ‘the gift’ of community. I see others that are much more skilled in what I think community looks like. My mother-in-law put on legendary meals, both for their deliciousness, and their size! She would invite friends and strangers alike, and really, to her, no one was a stranger. Someone else in my life is a quiet presence, but seems to attract people to game nights, to hang out, to play ultimate frisbee. I am neither of these people. But here at the Journey Center I see that I might have a way of community that is enough. I can listen to suffering because I have suffered deeply. I can sit still because my body requires more rest. I can maintain a space that people from all over the world can be a part of, because I have been bridging family across two continents for my entire life. This blog space is a place of community. It is a sacred space.

I always thought that I did not have ‘the gift’ of community. I see others that are much more skilled in what I think community looks like. My mother-in-law put on legendary meals, both for their deliciousness, and their size! She would invite friends and strangers alike, and really, to her, no one was a stranger. Someone else in my life is a quiet presence, but seems to attract people to game nights, to hang out, to play ultimate frisbee. I am neither of these people. But here at the Journey Center I see that I might have a way of community that is enough. I can listen to suffering because I have suffered deeply. I can sit still because my body requires more rest. I can maintain a space that people from all over the world can be a part of, because I have been bridging family across two continents for my entire life. This blog space is a place of community. It is a sacred space.

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2 thoughts on “A Way of Community That is Enough”

  1. Hi Karen, Thanks so much for sharing your reflections on the experience of community. We are so very grateful that the Spirit has brought you to the Journey Center community and that you feel welcome here and are finding a place to share your beautiful gifts! I know that your presence and insights will let many others know that they are welcome here as well…

  2. Hi Karen, Thank you for sharing your experience with community. I also don’t often feel like I am great at hospitality or creating community, but I’ve been learning lately to just try to be present with people, wherever I am. Even if I don’t have anything witty to say or great story to share, I can offer my presence, to witness others as they are, and hope that’s enough.

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