“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something. — Sandra Day O’Connor
I have one last Simple Gift for you to unwrap before the end of the year . . .
Today, I offer you the simple gift of COMMUNITY.
This . . . has been a rough year for many of us. It’s not just the politics of our country and our world. (Although, of course, there is that. Always there in the background . . . like a headache you can’t get rid of or a nagging toothache or tinnitus or, well. You know.) But. Other things happen in our lives that also make for a rough go. Loss. Loneliness. Sadness. Sickness. Grief. Want. Anxiety. Pressure. The ALL of it.
Being in community . . . with family or with friends . . . helps us get through the rough spots. Like Sandra Day O’Connor reminds us (in her quote, above) . . . the weavings of our individual threads . . . connect us with one another.
There have been more than a few times this year when I’ve thought about . . . not blogging anymore, wondering if I still have anything relevant or interesting to say.
But here I am.
Still here.
Still blogging.
And you know why? It’s YOU. This community. In the 15 (or maybe it’s 16? 17?) years I’ve been blogging, I have made great friends and connections here. You all have gotten me through some rough spots over the years. And maybe we (as an online blogging community) have helped you get through some of your own rough spots. I actually can’t imagine NOT continuing to weave our individual threads together here in Blog-Land.
As we celebrate the end of this (actually kind of dreadful) year, let’s also celebrate this community we’ve woven together. I have no idea what the coming days look like for most of you. I don’t know what you’re celebrating, how you might be grieving, or how you feel about any of it. But I do know that whatever it is you’re feeling . . . you’re not alone in feeling it. There is someone here . . . who is feeling the same way . . . someone who understands and relates. And all of us are eager to offer support.
This is US.
It’s what we do . . .
Celebrate this community we’ve woven together.
And thank you so much. . . for being part of it.
Although I know I am on the periphery of this community, I have benefited so much from it. And most especially I want to thank those of you, like you Kym, who continue to blog and keep it alive. Merry Christmas and thanks for helping me through some dark days.
This is most certainly true! (to fall back on my Luther’s Small Catechism days… that phrase was used A Lot, but I have found it most useful at times in my life… and this post felt like it needs a cheer from the community… so here I am cheering!) The community is everything, isn’t it? I am glad you are here and that you shared these delightful small gifts with us this season… each gift was a treasure, thank you!
Merry Christmas to you and Tom (and your entire family!!) XO
Community is really the greatest gift of all! Thank you for all that you have shared in this space. I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday season!
Thank you Kym. I’m thankful that you (and others) are still blogging (I rarely go on FB or IG). This (Our) community is very important to me. Thank you for the small gifts (which are really so much more) you have shared with us this season. Wishing you a relaxed and happy holiday – Enjoy!!
I’m thankful that you are still blogging. Merry Christmas!
Even though I have not personally suffered anything horrendous, this has been a dreadful year. I don’t honestly anticipate things getting better over the next few years, but it is the strength of community that helps us continue to go forward. Unraveled Wednesdays are a highlight of my blogging week, and Read With Us keeps me reading things that I might not pick up myself, and our discussion always adds to my understanding and enjoyment. I’ve also thought about quitting blogging, but this community is too important to me to quit. I hope you don’t quit and thank you for all that you add to the community. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
In “How We Learn to be Brave” Mariann Budde (the Washington Natl Cathedral bishop) teaches that community is where we learn and find the support to be brave. Thanks for cultivating community on your blog!
Thank you Kym for bringing your beautiful spirit into this community. I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family. Peace.
How nice to wake up on Christmas morning, while everyone else is still asleep, and find this lovely post from you. I am one of those on the periphery – I have never met any of you – but for the past 15 years or so, your blog, Kym, has brought me comfort, fun and mental stimulation. Mainly comfort. Although I am quite blessed with family, friends, and a very pleasant lifestyle, there are…things…that a community like this has helped to soften the impact of. (I know, ending with a preposition). So three cheers for community – for this community – and isn’t that what Christmas/Hanakah/Kwanzaa is all about? Thanks so much, Kym! Merry Christmas!
I feel exactly the same way, Kym. There are lots of negative things that have come with technology, but the use of it to make good friends across the miles is one I’ll forever be grateful for. Merry Christmas and here’s to better things in the year ahead!
Kym, you are one of the main reason I am still here at all. This community and the friends I’ve made here are so important to me even though I no longer blog. You bring a substance to blogland with your missives. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey. Your thoughts help us all.
Thank you so much for continuing to share on your blog. I am very grateful to you and the handful of bloggers that I read regularly. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. 🎄
What a lovely post and so timely. These days we need one another. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Wonderfully stated and perfectly true. Our community is smaller than it was back-in-the-day but I believe we’re stronger for it and more connected. I’m grateful for you and grateful to be a part of this incredible group of friends.
Thank you xo
I do love reading your blog and have for years…I don’t comment too often, but you should know that I always look forward to reading what’s going on with you! This has been a wonderful community for me over the years…in the good times and the very challenging times.
Thank you and happy holidays!
This is it, exactly. I’m going on 22 years, and it’s mind boggling to think of all that’s happened in that time — and how I’ve been propped, buoyed & encouraged by this community in all manner of things.
Stick around, OK??