Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood (Part Deux)

So, at Flipside they’ve been placing a lot of emphasis on our “oikos” (the Greek word for family, neighborhood, community) and on the fact that we are all living where we are for a reason. A truth I’ve always known, but rarely lived out in any concrete way.

I know how blessed I am. I have the most rockin’ people in my life who stretch me, encourage me, challenge me, love me… the list goes on. Recently, however, I’ve been trying to focus on the people in my life who I don’t think about as often. The ones on the fringe that I don’t talk to everyday, or even if I do it’s just to say a quick “hello” as we drift past each other. My neighbors across the street, my coworkers, my family spread across the United States… and how often I miss the opportunity to know them, listen to them, love them.

I’m trying. To be more intentional in every area of my life… some areas are easier than others, but I know it’s worth it. There is so much beauty all around, and so often I miss out by settling for less…

In my mind, it’s all connected. Love, beauty, people, life, God… Every day I’m amazed at the thin gossamer threads that bind it all together, over and over again, creating an intricate pattern visible only if you look for it.

As usual, my mind is running away faster than my fingers can type. I want to at least attempt to capture snapshots of the journey I’m currently running… in hopes that later I’ll be able to see the road I’ve traveled a little more clearly, to better understand where I end up.