Conversations about community emerged several years ago when people realized what we had wasn’t working anymore. In the past, the traditional model of community was defined by neighborhood schools, churches, and clubs. When that model began to deteriorate, people started looking for ways to “create” community.
I remember the first discussion about community that made sense to me. It was from a spiritual man who described the word as “come-unity,” and taught that it was essentially an invitation to share life together. It’s evident that people everywhere are offering that invitation as they find ways to create community.
Weekly farmer’s markets and community gardens are means of getting neighbors to come out and mingle, as are seasonal festivals and 5Ks. Some have added “village” to their town name to help create a sense of belonging to something special and unique, while others are displaying town initials on their cars.
And then there are the little free library boxes people place in their yards. The “take a book, share a book” wooden box with a window. I think these are a really cool way of inviting community. These boxes say “Here’s a book. Take it. Hope you like it.” Perhaps the more important message from these boxes is “I like my neighborhood and am inviting my neighbors into community.”
Community used to come naturally…now it has to be created. In some ways, I think created community is better. It’s more intentional…not taken for granted. And when found, it is celebrated…even treasured. Come-unity.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
Featured photo: Stephanie’s Little Free Library, Tucker, Ga.
just thinking 