"Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, the troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name."
This was the Cheers theme song from the American sitcom T.V. series that ran 11 seasons, from 1982 to 1993. Set in a neighbourhood bar in Boston, a group of locals, regular customers, met, to drink, relax and socialize, and... where everybody knows your name.
To me, that epitomized "community," which I feel, seems to be lacking at times in our busy, demanding society.
I have never lived in a small town or village, but I've often wondered what it would be like to walk down the street and meet folk who would actually call me by name. There are those I am sure, who meet 'face to face' with friends in varied situations and do experience 'community' firsthand.
However, now, in this electronic age, many do seem constantly connected to their friends by their 'hand-held gadgets' or, by sharing brief messages on facebook, etc., as to their ongoing activities, and to them, this is experiencing 'community' in a different way.
Wikipedia explains 'community' as... "a society of people linked together by shared interests or common conditions of life, beliefs, etc."
My recollection of growing up in a country situation, was truly the epitome of community for me, as with our neighbours, we seemed to experience common life situations, needing each other's support.
Now, attending some of our larger churches, seeking a small group to find your identity, is a must.
Surprisingly enough, I have found a place 'where everybody knows my name' — my weekly visit to my hair salon (where I have been a client for several years.) The interaction that takes place between the young operators and older folk like me, is in itself, a rare type of community.
Whether it's Olivia, Kaitlen, or Jasmine, they all welcome me by name, always pleased to greet me.
The large crowd consisted of children and adults of varying ages, with their lawn chairs, a few had their dog, and no doubt visiting campers like our group swelled the crowd — all participating in this summertime community event and, finding pleasure together!
I believe it is easy for us to become self-centred and self-sufficient, preoccupied with our own little world, feeling little need of becoming a part of those around us.
That, then, becomes 'community' at its best. Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
Keep Open House.
Be generous with your lives.
— beulah
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