110 in the shade
About a week ago a group of us when to an association swimming pool. One of the members of our group owned a membership in the pool. We had been planning this party since June.
Our group was formed a year ago when we were all admitted to a community leadership course. Seeing each other frequently plus attending a weekend retreat together has a way of bonding you together.
So when we arrived at the pool it was like a reunion, and we felt quite at home with each other. In spite of our religious, ethnic, and gender diversity we call each other friend.
If we had stayed in our usual, individual social groups, we would have never met. I rarely see most of the class because they are busy with their own careers and families. But because we all ventured out into our larger city-wide community, we had the wonderful experience of becoming friends.
On the day of our party it was literally 110 in the shade. The fact that we all showed up says something about the regard we have for each other. I’m really glad that I haven’t limited my social and religious contacts. I would have never met these good friends, and that would be a tragedy.
August 1st, 2006 · 3 Comments
Categories: OA Stories
Helen said
am August 1 2006 @ 6:25 am
Bruce am I remembering right that you told me this is one of the best experiences of being in a group that you’ve ever had?
If I did remember right, I wonder why the best experience you’ve ever with a group wasn’t with a Christian group? Aren’t Christians as good at being friends as people who aren’t Christians?
Jim said
am August 1 2006 @ 9:44 am
Bruce
I linked this story to the DE blog
Bruce said
am August 1 2006 @ 4:26 pm
Interesting question Helen.
I don’t want to sound like I’m dissing all my Christian friends. They are good friends, and I enjoy being with them.
Here are some things that made the leadership group (LG) important and pleasant to me. 1) The LG was extremely diverse. Church groups tend to be homogenous. 2) I found a much higher level of acceptance in the leadership group. We church folk tend to agonize more about what others will think of us and vice versa. 3) The LG had a lot of fun together. I think Jesus hung out with folks that knew how to have fun.
On another level, the LG made me feel connected and networked to the community in very pleasant ways. I could not have accomplished this on a church campus.