One of the problems with the secularization of society is that it tends to shrink our communities. We focus on ourselves and our immediate family and friends.  But we don’t often look beyond the people close to us.

There are a lot of problems with organized religion, but one of the things I like about it is being part of a larger community. And seeing those people regularly.

There’s something to be said about seeing the people in your community age. Children turn into teenagers, teenagers turn into young adults, young adults become mature adults, mature adults become senior citizens, and senior citizens pass on.

Some people have children. Some don’t. Some people get married.  Some don’t.  Some marriages break up. Some carry on into old age. Life happens and you get to observe bits of it.

It’s good to see the passage of time through other people, because let’s face it, we don’t often notice it in ourselves. And it helps you feel part of something bigger than yourself. You’re part of the circle of life. You’re part of humanity with all its imperfections.

© 2019 Peter Gruner