Connecting

Friday Five: Connecting

RGBP's Jan writes: I am currently reading Bowling Alone by 

Robert D. Putnam, where he explores the changes in community 

in the USA in the 20th Century. He explains how communities, 

people, and especially children function better when they live 

where there is high social capital. Basically, it means that 

"relationships matter."

We all know this because Christianity (and other religions) 

emphasize the Golden Rule: All things whatsoever ye would 

that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law 

and the prophets. Matthew 7:1

So here are some questions to ponder for this Friday Five about 

connecting with:

1. Self: Who was your hero/heroine when you were about 

ten years old? My ministers have always been heroes to me. 

I'd look up to each of them in a different way (I can't recall who was the 

minister at that particular time). A close second was probably Madonna 

;-P.

2. Family: Who are you most like? Who is most like you?
Yesterday I was leading a Q&A following a presentation, and I heard 

myself use a phrase that'd never before come from my mouth except 

to tease my father for starting every explanation with it: 

"Well, I'll tell ya...". I had to call and tell him of my slip :). Having said 

that, I acknowledge that my mother and I are most alike--my partner 

tells me I sound more and more like her each day. We're also 

*extremely* different!
3. Friends: How do you stay in touch? I wish I were better at staying 

in touch! My m.o. is to not talk for way too long, then get together a 

couple times each year to catch up. Every once in a while we'll email 

or send a letter, but otherwise... :(

4. Neighborhood, community: What are ways you like to be 

involved? Cafés!! I love to to be present in gathering places 

where people meet and connect and move on into their days. 

Especially places where I can become a regular (Norm!) and 

always see new people.

5. Job/church: Do you see a need that will help in developing 

connections? Deep, long-lasting spiritual practices would be a 

great addition. I'd love to help people create community around 

particular styles of prayer, meditation, reading, etc. We do a little bit, 

and the opportunities are growing. Helping people recognize their 

need for these connections--that's my challenge!

Bonus link: Cheers Theme Song