I often forget that I live in a community where adults are often absent. The trash room on every floor reminds me of this reality. Having now experienced the lack of basic courtesy on two different floors and being reminded by the multiple pictures in our group chat, the scenes confronting my eyes and nose are etching fresh memories and reminders.
I do not know what needs to happen for this community to mature. I know that there is a critically militant person inside of me. I clearly hear a call to action. I feel the need to confront, to demand answers. As I imagine the excuses and reasoning, my verbal quiver is fully loaded, ready to strike. There is a quiet whisper in my mind that will not go away. The words are simple, “step back and look in the mirror. Look beyond the person and see the basics.”
Today begins with an awareness of the basics. I can teach, starting with myself. The awareness of being connected and supported by Divinity is deep. I clearly understand how this fits into my calling as a member of the human family. In the reality of failing, I am reminded that even the brightest slip up. It was never about the slip. Life is found and lives in the step.
Feeding one’s soul is, maybe, more important than the food cravings we satisfy. The critic’s words have echoed across time; “By this time, you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one – baby’s milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago!” (Hebrews 5.12)
Every decision matters. In words and deeds, there is a difference when we start by caring for our community and those we meet. Mistakes can be addressed. We can be responsible for the damage we cause. Empathy and compassion are the frames for each moment.
Today is calling for my engagement. I have a unique opportunity in the community.
