Tabitha’s Question
Why
do I do this—the Good Neighbors program work? This is the simple question
Tabitha, our social media and marketing assistant, asked. It’s a great question
and I need to consider it deeply. Why do I do what I do with SML Good
Neighbors? What sustains me in this work? Maybe the rambling thoughts that
follow will give you—and me—some insights. It may take patience to read through
these thoughts!
This
past week was filled with national events that made me anxious—it was the first
week of Donald Trump’s presidency. As I listened to friends and over-heard the
conversations of others, I understood this was not unique to me. It is easy to
get in to a circuitous, downward spiral and lose site of what is most important
and right in front of me.
I
keep the small book, “The Three Questions”, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy,
where I can always find it. The story ends with this paragraph:
“Remember then that there is only one important time,
and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with.
And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your
side. For these, my dear boy, are the answers to what is most important in this
world. This is why we are here.”
This
past week was also filled with activities that brought light in to my life and
lifted me up. As I reflect of what this means, I realize that this light comes
from human relationships; it is contained in the invisible bonds that connect
me with those around me.
It
was a full week—interviewing applicants for summer teaching positions; meetings
with Lisa; the weekly meeting with our spiritual formation group; lunch with
Sara Jamison and George Seals to talk about endowment planning; the Good
Neighbors board of directors meeting; meeting with Larry from Appalachian Power
to talk about grants; Lib Walker’s memorial service; Jim and I meeting with Bob
Craghead about purchasing land for the new Good Neighbors building; talking
with a supporter about getting donated supplies to replace those lost in the
fire; talking with friends at Art Vision Gallery during their benefit for Good
Neighbors; attending “Dancing for a Cause” with about 500 others at Franklin
County High School to benefit nine area nonprofit agencies; two afternoons with
seven Good Neighbors Scholars in the Middle School After-School Academy; and attending Meeting for
Worship at the Roanoke Quaker Meeting.
Quakers
frequently speak of—Seeing that of God in
Everyone.” As I sat in silent worship this morning, I was reminded that
this message keeps me grounded, even in the midst of events I cannot control.
So,
what does this have to do with Tabitha’s question? I think I have the answer.
This past Thursday at the after-school program, we had a “dust-up” at the end
of the day with our middle school scholars. This is a nice way of saying there
were behavior problems related to anger and nonviolent conflict resolution. I
left the school feeling frustrated asking myself—do we make any difference in
the lives of these students? Why am I doing this? During Quaker Meeting for
Worship this morning I believe the answer to these questions, and Tabitha’s
question, was given to me—“Even when I can’t stand them, I keep coming back to
be with our Good Neighbors children because I love them.”
