The Love of Community

Ahhh...hibernation is over. Streets and alleys come alive. Grills are firing up. Cobwebs are coming off the bikes. Canvas chairs are found in the garage. Plastic plates adorn the patio table. The park one street over is excited to see us. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I always say that I live the ghetto...I even grew up on the "east side". But the way I talk about these things are in jest. I absolutely love where I live. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone, trick or treating was even safe all night (we took around pillow cases as bags...have I mentioned my sweet tooth?)and I loved it. Now, I love that my children know their neighbors, and that we hang out together all the time. We have dinner outside together several times a week in the summer. People just walking by end up staying for hours. I love this time of year. I was sitting on my neighbor's big swing with Eli on Sunday and I was overcome with what the feelings of true community bring to the soul. The kids were all playing in the yard, the adults were talking about every topic. Josh and I know that it won't always be like this...people move, things change...but for now, I love my neighborhood. One of the first slideshows I put together was about my neighborhood, at the end of last summer. I can't wait for this summer and what joy it will bring to our whole family. We were created to live in community...and I know why.






Playing in mud puddles




Throwing rocks and doing boy things




Just playing together! I've been waiting for this one!




Eli's first real summer...squinty eyes and a snotty nose. ps like josh's handlebars?