Life-Giving Words

arrive in different "shapes and sizes"

Last week I picked up a flyer at the library that was an invitation to a gathering/social specifically “For Elders.” It was described as an hour and a half of mingling, great conversation, and food.

As I continue to find my way to making connections in what still feels like a new city, I decided to attend. The location was within walking distance at an arts venue I wanted to learn about.

While ultimately glad I attended, it is fair to say that the flyer did not aptly describe the intention of the time. Perhaps had I known the venue and its purpose, I would have understood the afternoon would be different than I anticipated.

The purpose was to help elders who count on the support of social services learn what is available in this city. Two social workers from the city led the conversation for the five of us in attendance.

It was immediately clear that my perception of the event was quite different; however, it served as a reminder that many in this city and millions in our country, with growing numbers, need as many resources as possible.

As I listened to the social workers, I heard their words of care and the descriptions of the varied resources as truly life-giving.

They make all the difference.

The four others chimed in with more resources, freely sharing with one another and supporting one another.

Sustaining. Nourishing, both in spirit and literally in knowing availability of free meals, of a truck that comes to the city each week with groceries and fresh produce at significantly lower cost than any stores, of an organization that is helping those having to choose between paying rent and buying food, healthcare services, and more.

What might have seemed embarrassing or too vulnerable was, instead, connecting and filled with words of thanks to one another. There was no sense of embarrassment, apology or “shrinking” but rather a sense of belonging, odd as that might sound.

I discovered gifts present in that room - artists, gardeners, and a writer.

The social workers brought fresh flowers and invited to create their own bouquet to take with them. Mine is a reminder that the conversation that filled the room surrounded all of us with care for our wellbeing.

As I learned, the location is an art studio that offers free art times as well as structured art offerings to veterans, those with mental and emotional challenges, to people with physically different abilities and to children. The owner is an artist who has a physical different ability and what she has created and brought to the community is remarkable in is mission. I understood the admiration for her presence to all who walk in the door – beloved.

I will go back to browse the shop that showcases the creativity of the artists, eager to help support the mission.

So, while I went imagining there was going to be a filled room of Elders meeting and greeting each other, exchanging contact information perhaps, and looking forward to more times in the future, I left feeling filled in perhaps a deeper way.

I left with the reminder, too, that life takes many turns, often unexpectedly creating needs never anticipated.

It is a calling to do all I/we can to preserve and grow the services that provide the net so vitally depended upon. I and those of us who can, in this moment, to help enlarge the net and the offerings. I heard the words and saw the expressions of what resources mean and how those receiving them feel seen, valued and welcome members of the community.

Many I listen to from different walks of life envision the future becoming more community oriented, people helping one another in myriad ways, and a coming together that is fresh and filled with a spirit that transcends difference.

May it be so.