A few examples: Thursday morning cardiologist appointment; a follow-up visit but not routine; felt irked at doc’s insistence to lose weight without any encouraging words; he fails to note my hard won accomplishments; so I unloaded on him! Shocked him. But we have a better working relationship now. He understands why this is hard for me; and I learned from him that my understanding of my condition was incorrect! I can exert myself physically, exercise vigorously and thus lose weight. Before I had been told (not by him) to avoid snow shoveling, household chores involving lifting, etc. Wrong advice by the wrong people. OK. I’m on a better footing.
Next morning, had a two-hour heart to heart talk with a local clergyman who was upset at a letter to the editor we printed in our last edition. The letter was from a church member who complained of a bad experience in the church leading her to conclude the church was a cult. Those are strong words; not ours, but hers. But they stung the church’s collective feelings understandably. We spoke long about perceptions, meanings, getting along with others and building bridges between differing points of view. All in all an experience that was both instructive and rewarding. The minister is a masterful listener and conversationalist. And hospitable. We gained mutual respect. And will undoubtedly work together in the future on some valued community projects.
That evening we attended the Park District’s holiday party to thank the staff for their dedication and contributions to the success of the park district. The board of commissioners was present (I am one of those). Throughout the event it was apparent that each person was there because they wanted to be, they cared about each other and they shared a deep commitment to the mission and vision of the park district. This is a community institution of, by and for the citizens. It is an important building block that helps the community be all that it can be. That is not accomplished by self important people. It is not done by selfish people. It is achieved by those willing to share burdens and a dream to make good things happen. A fun evening free of stress or bad feelings. It was all good.
Saturday morning meeting of an interest group; early morning session at 8; excellent proceedings and sharing among the attendees; an effective meeting. Followed by my weekly visit to my daughter and reading to her eldest daughter (we are working through all of the 8 books of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea!). Sharing generational concerns, and hopes and sensibilities. Being with one another. Sharing life. Sharing meaning. All very good.
Pulled out of their driveway and noted a phone message waiting. Placed the call-back and learned of Jim Guter’s death. Drove home in shock. [see Sunday’s post remembering Jim Guter] Still getting my head around the loss of a good friend and collaborator. Minds that connected with each other! Special.
Sunday morning church with people who increasingly play a significant role in my life. Our lives. All of us searching for calm and meaning and relevance.
Sunday evening supper with many of the volunteers who make our local newspaper possible. All 26 were invited, but 14 volunteers were able to make the gathering. Interchange of talk, mirth, serious issues and seasonal festivity was apparent. Volunteers who write for the paper without pay, who support the administrative work without pay, who do all of this without really knowing each other, but caring enough about the community to make the newspaper not only a reality, but an effective communication partner in the life of the community. These are special relationships. These are special people. They speak to the very strength of our town, our families, our nation.
Volunteerism made our country. And our states, towns, counties. Volunteerism provides the hope and dream that keeps us connected, but also effectively producing the results that make everything else happen. It is not about salary or wages. It is about meaning. And we all bring that to the table in one way or another.
As I write this blog, and as we labor to publish this week’s issue of the Village Chronicles (www.villagechronicles.net), all of these things come together and resonate.
It matters who we are. It matters what we are. It matters what we do. And why we do it.
May the latter always be for a good end! May solid volunteer contributions illuminate the what and why of our lives. Together we find meaning.
December 13, 2011
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