Connected

 

With all the variety of decorations and yard art that abounds in my neighborhood, there is one constant. In addition to individual creativity, the Neighborhood Association encourages each home to display these trees. They are simple. At night they glow warmly against the darkness. One tall. One short. An amazingly high percentage of homeowners comply with the request. In a simple way, these little trees serve as a thread that ties us all together. As different as we are, with all our uniqueness and individuality, we are connected through the lights of the trees.

As the broader human community, we are living in a time when we need to be reminded of that connection with one another. In all our uniqueness and individuality, we desperately need each other. Being connected does not mean losing ourselves. Being connected means being our best selves, a part of something bigger than ourselves. Being connected means that we are not alone, and that no one else should be either.

There are so many more things that connect us than would separate us. Yet all our attention seems to focus on our differences. Our common desires for our children, for health and safety, for peace - these shared values can go a long way toward building community. As a person of faith, I hold fast to these words, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Love has the power to cross all our differences and create a community that can not only endure, but thrive. 

As we journey toward the day we celebrate the birth of the one called Prince of Peace, may we look to his way of love as our way of life. May the love we have for God be seen in how we love one another. Then, in our own small way, we are making peace in this troubled world. Then, in our own small way, we are contributing to the human community, rich and diverse, yet connected.

Peace.