Communities

Communities are what communities are.  Said in other ways, relationships, teams, institutions, groups, and communities are defined by the collective actions of those involved.  No individual determines the community.  At best, individuals influence a community over time.  In the present, we are what we are.
There is a distinct story told by each community.  We would do well to open our senses to take in the story with a purpose of learning and growing.  There are lessons waiting to be picked up.  If one cares for the others in any ways, you will find hope, angst, and opportunities in every community.
As someone responsible for the future direction of a company, I find myself caught in a story that has gone way beyond any intentional act on my part (at least that I am aware of).  There are great stories as well as ones I hope I can influence for the better.  In the midst of it all, I find myself awed by the commitment of the individuals that make up this company.  Their actions tell of commitment played out in real life, of compassionate concern for each other, and a spirit of forgiveness and mercy.  Granted, there are exceptions (some funny, others sad).  In the main, this community is a wonderful place that gives a warm welcome to strangers while competitively taking on the challenges at hand with an interest in serving our customer.
I find myself circling back to the communities I am a part of.  Am I a positive contributor or someone tearing at the core for what I can take away?  Do I add or diminish from what is?  What is the motivation of my heart?
Ideally, I would have been part of an old community.  I hope that I would have been one “who owned fields or houses [that] sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it.  The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.”  (Acts 4.35)  While this opportunity has passed, we do have the moment at hand.