A sense of place
Back last year, on the radio, they ran a series of programmes entitled “A sense of place.” This series focused on what it was like living in various places around the south of England. But what is a community, these days we have so much to do that it seems we have lost it among our new (so-called “improved”) living, our pace of life has stepped up a gear, we no longer really know the people who live around us. I remember not so long ago hearing of an elderly man who died, but it was a week until his Daughter visited and found him dead, none of the neighbours had noticed he’d not been around. I’m not old enough to remember the war; but I’m told that during it there was a great sense of togetherness, a oneness in spirit. Everyone knew each other, and looked out for each others needs. This oneness was shown after the deaths of Princes Diana, Queen Mother and just a few weeks ago the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It was noticeable on the streets that people were not rushing around so much, were willing to engage in conversation with total strangers. Does it really take a death to regain a sense of community? The bible, in particular the New Testament shows clearly that Community is a central focus, Jesus said “Love they neighbour as thy self” With the world in such a state of anxiety there is a greater need for us to refocus on community life is greatly needed, so why not visit a neighbour who is on his or her own or ill or maybe just moved in and let them know you are there for them. We may not be able to change the world but we can help change where we live for the better.
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