One of the great blessings of living on this relatively small island is that the shoreline creates the boundaries of our community, and if you live somewhere within the confines of the high ground, you have enough in common with the other island residents to foster relationships. While each of us may live within a distinct neighborhood, the shared experience of being separated from the mainland makes us necessarily more dependent upon one another. We are more likely to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor, or offer to lend a hand with a project, because those things that would otherwise be a short car ride away now entail a ferry ride. The surrounding waterways unite us.
Residents of our island community flow across the entire island, experiencing life with other community members who may have (on the surface, anyway) very little in common with us. Whereas normal human behavior causes us to hang out with people who are just like us, whether that is due to education, socio-economic status, political inclination, or some other demographic category, the wide waters that separate us have encouraged us to see more clearly that those categories are manmade points of division that can and should be cast aside for the sake of a more fulfilling human experience. We do community better here as a result.
This sense of community is best experienced when we come together to celebrate, such as the annual Community Thanksgiving, or to support, such as with the fundraiser this Sunday for the elementary school. But where this sense of community is most felt is when we come together in the midst of hardship and tragedy, whether it is in response to an island-wide disaster like a hurricane, or a personal tragedy like death or debilitating injury. In those moments, we come together simply because we share the common bond of being people living in community with one another.
In this sort of behavior, I see a community that is modeling behavior that Jesus encourages. The 14th Chapter of Luke’s Gospel states: “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.” Jesus was encouraging generosity and kindness that is poured out on people not because there is an expectation that it will be reciprocated, but simply because it is the loving thing to do. This is an encouragement to look beyond those relationships that are easy, to love on those people who might need to experience God’s kindness and blessing. It’s a commandment to bless others for no other reason than because you have been blessed.
My friends, there are those today in the midst of personal tragedy who need love, kindness and prayers, and there are opportunities to support community establishments. Please take inventory of your own gifts and consider strengthening our community by blessing others out of the abundance of your blessings.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron