The group gathered around the big box like kids on Christmas morning. All were filled with anticipation for the new table that would become a great benefit for their shared work and a place of socializing. With careful precision the box was opened and immediately came the debate on what to do next. One person wanted to take off more cardboard and work from the box and, “just start putting it together.” Another wanted to take out each piece, catalogue and organize. And a couple of folks were desperately looking for the owner’s manual prior to doing anything else…What a great study on both learning and work styles!
This last week I had two great opportunities to engage in thoughtful conversation about our ‘differences in community’. The first was at the HUB Sports Center Annual Allstar Breakfast where we celebrated the multiple offerings at the HUB for youth. Some of the gatherings cater to elite athletes. Others are designed for aspiring athletes. And other gatherings are purely for fun regardless of capabilities. Embedded in each is the invitation to participate fully with others.
The second opportunity was at the Annie Wright School board meeting. The school strives to make the learning experience as positive and productive as possible for each student. Paying attention to different learning styles, what provides motivation, and creating a means by which the student is ever increasing in self accountability are top priorities. Yet the students are not islands. Each of them are learning – and with others – in community. As such it’s important that all feel both respect and responsible for their learning while supporting others in the same.
My musing after both of these great experiences was a deeper appreciation for the huge value providing a container where young people can thrive in a ‘differences in community’. Often our world expects one way rather than being open to multiple ways of reaching the desired outcome. Likewise too often folks move to a silo or single mindedness approach rather than seeing working with a diverse group of perspectives actually builds capacity.
Image if all of us embraced a ‘differences in community’ mindset rather than my / our way is the only way; and if you don’t subscribe you’re out. My experience suggests that providing space for differences in the context of community creates a respectful environment with a much deeper and richer outcome for all. In a diverse community, every voice matters and every difference enriches the whole.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” Romans 12:4-6
“We value life in common, believing it is strengthened by the honest and respectful dialogue across lives of disagreement and difference.” – The Rev. Barbara Talcott St. Mark’s School
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