Sarah- Thanks so much for sharing this. I particularly love your deep question on: "“How do adults make friends without church?” I had a conversation with a friend recently about this and it really struck us how much of it has changed since the days of the forefathers. From a structural standpoint, a community--or a village--was built in America around one single Main Street where you'd have a butcher, a silversmith, a carpenter, a church, and a school. And so it was a natural extension of people's day to day to go to church and build community there (some of it, though not a lot anymore) we still somewhat see today in certain areas. But without this organic structure, all infrastructure for community building is lost. Not to mention the loss of deep and meaningful relationships. When everyone just goes to and fro in their cars and close their garage doors right after every outing and activity, it really doesn't scream 'hey, let's hang and commune with each other.' On the contrary---it says: "leave me alone." But I don't think all is lost. Something so deep-seated as community and our programming to give, share, and lift each other up is far too important and significant to be ignored. I hoping and thinking there's a renaissance back towards this. But for the meantime, articles like yours is a refreshing and important reminder. :)
Sarah, I relate to this more than I can fully express. I remember you expressing your loneliness and responding if I can be lonely with you, but apart. I wish we were nearer in proximity. This is such a tricky season to navigate and I’m glad you’ve found rhythms that are helpful for you.
Sarah- Thanks so much for sharing this. I particularly love your deep question on: "“How do adults make friends without church?” I had a conversation with a friend recently about this and it really struck us how much of it has changed since the days of the forefathers. From a structural standpoint, a community--or a village--was built in America around one single Main Street where you'd have a butcher, a silversmith, a carpenter, a church, and a school. And so it was a natural extension of people's day to day to go to church and build community there (some of it, though not a lot anymore) we still somewhat see today in certain areas. But without this organic structure, all infrastructure for community building is lost. Not to mention the loss of deep and meaningful relationships. When everyone just goes to and fro in their cars and close their garage doors right after every outing and activity, it really doesn't scream 'hey, let's hang and commune with each other.' On the contrary---it says: "leave me alone." But I don't think all is lost. Something so deep-seated as community and our programming to give, share, and lift each other up is far too important and significant to be ignored. I hoping and thinking there's a renaissance back towards this. But for the meantime, articles like yours is a refreshing and important reminder. :)
Love that question....what does the undoing become and how might it be turning into beauty? Can't wait to meet you in real life one day.
Thank you for sharing. I feel honored to be one of your few here ❤️
Sarah, I relate to this more than I can fully express. I remember you expressing your loneliness and responding if I can be lonely with you, but apart. I wish we were nearer in proximity. This is such a tricky season to navigate and I’m glad you’ve found rhythms that are helpful for you.
Beautiful, Sarah. I love the TT Williams quote.