Musings July 2018 - Camaraderie

Have you ever been around a person (or persons) who make you feel good? Just in general… Well, I am blessed to know a few of those bright lights…

I realized something similar recently that seems worth sharing:

Almost by accident (although I don’t believe it was accidental), I had the pleasure of joining a group of people on a steering committee for Authorfest. We are preparing an event later this month. My heart is full of appreciation for being welcomed into the group and also to have observed how they work together. This band of about eight met, collaborated, discerned, strategized, and stepped-up. I am amazed not only with the creativity and skills each member brought to the table, but at the way they interacted. Everyone had value; input offered by esteemed comrades was respectfully considered. This attitude of inclusion enhanced their already solid foundation. From writing, to drawing, to planning, to marketing, to scheduling, to simply tossing around ideas, everyone’s visions were contemplated and respected. All members were encouraged to contribute at whatever level they were comfortable and able, and therefore shined. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t as if ideas were haphazardly proposed or recklessly accepted; several were declined, but with good counsel, cause, and often by consensus. The soon-to-be-realized result will prove my inclination since I anticipate a phenomenal outcome. Sincere awe and gratitude envelop what I witnessed as the newest member.

Why do I have a sense of enchantment about the whole affair? Well… The group worked from a perspective of community. They took advantage of the multitude of talents filling the room. Their focus was upon the greatest benefit to the whole (and to the guests who will attend the event). Missing was any ego, selfishness, or desire for personal gain. I should mention that many individuals on this committee are highly regarded and well-known experts in their fields. Yet they came together with a common purpose and goal.

So I got to thinking… isn’t this how a group of people working on a project should behave? Could you imagine if within our families or work-group members focused on each other’s strengths, respected ideas, and considered suggestions with a view of the larger picture? Envision receptivity over rejection due to individual agendas or based upon who a particular someone is in relation to “me” (politically).

Hmmm… I recall many verses, including John 15:9-12*1 and Matthew 22:36-40*2.

We are gregarious creatures. We were made to connect, to support, to join forces, to pool resources… to work TOGETHER (the word together originates from “to + gather” *3).

It is only by entertaining a bit of humility that we allow ourselves to be open to another’s gifts. A brightness shines forth when a fellow human is enabled to display their unique promise. Instead of looking for weaknesses to exploit or squelching another’s talents in order to get ahead (that mentality of “me first,” or “look out for number one”), we might start to encourage each other. Can you imagine a community [or world] like that? I foresee less stress and more joy, at minimum. Yes, I believe both everyone involved and everyone around each such circumstance would reap great reward.

There is indeed power in numbers as well as incredible value in unity. Remember, Jesus was all about others… uniting them… working for them… exposing their goodness… in everything He did, from His first public act (a favor to His mother - turning the water to wine), to healing and reuniting beloved family members, all the way to His commandment at the Last Supper, “Love one another as I have loved you.” He teaches us how to treat others. Remember too that He lives in of each of us and therefore equally inside each of “them.”

For me, a valuable insight has been reinforced through this graced experience; I’m humbled, honored, and filled with gratitude.



* As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
John 15:9-12


** “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40



*** Verified Google Search “Etymology of together.” Results = Old English tōgædere, based on the preposition to + a West Germanic word related to gather.



If interested in the event mentioned above visit www.AuthorfestPA.com