Reflection | One

I teach a seminar class at St. Olaf College. As part of the intended learning outcomes I must teach about “living in community”. This season I have reflected a great deal on what this means within my own life. I have discovered that this means embracing “connection” with the many different people I come into contact with on a daily basis.

I feel fortunate that my reflections have embedded themselves within my life as enriching experiences. My connections are with people at the grocery store, with people at church, and with my St. Olaf students and colleagues, for instance. They are also with my colleagues when I freelance around town. Even the people I perform with only once or twice a year—we connect, and share an enriching and lovely conversation when we catch up about our lives. These aspects of “living in community” or connections don’t necessarily mean these people will be as close as others within our inner circles. However, if we are open to the surprising benefits and gifts of being grateful for them, we live our lives in technicolor.

This year I challenge you to find communities and connections within your lives, harp playing, or teaching. You will be enfolded and filled with abundance and gratitude. -October, 2024