Walking to work...

Have I mentioned that I am lazy...

I would much rather drive to work than walk the short 5 blocks. The problem is, that walking to work is what made me fall in love with this community in the first place, it is how God first began calling me to the city, it is how I can be challenged and changed daily.

So here's what I experience as I walk. I first and a little grumpy that Ashley took the car, and am closed to any positive thoughts. As I walk God starts to gently work on my heart. I see an older sister teacher her brother about the neighborhood "now Aunt so and so lives down the street, and JoJo used to live there..." I walk by to rather intimidating men who are actually quite friendly when I say "how you doin",
I am reminded of my skin color as I see another white person in a community of African Americans. I am also reminded of of gentrification, and the displacement of our community members as young urban professionals (like me...) seek to buy and renovate beautiful homes close to downtown. (The cost of real estate has quadrupled in the last 4 years driving property taxes and rent higher; our families are being forced to move out one by one.)
I am passed by a couple, the woman bragging proudly that she doesn't talk to bums or care about anyone else...(In my community the way to avoid being looked at as poor is to make sure that everyone knows that you are richer than someone else.)
As I continue to walk I see Arlene, my adopted grandmother who tells me not to be late for work : ), and I see granny Robinson who is almost hidden out of view behind her beautifully manicured flowers. She says, "you still got that look", "What look, I say" "The you lookin GOOD look! How's your wife," she continues."

By this point, I have arrived at work, and instead of the grumpy and self-centered view of life I left my house with, I am excited, refreshed, challenged, and aware once more of what is most important. I am so thankful to my community of East Garfield Park, that has taught me and continues to teach me more during my 10 minute walks to work, that I could ever learn from all the books that I read.

Anyone have a similar experience where your community is also your teacher?