On my recent Sabbatical, we traveled to several countries in Europe and explored the Apostle Paul’s footsteps and his legacy in Rome, Athens and Thessaloniki and then took a trip to Munich. There was much I learned along the way that is worthy of sharing.
This week I want to share an impression I got from Greece. There is a different feeling in Greece than other countries. After much reflection and observation, I realized the level to which they are people-centered is much deeper than we are used to. One example stands out among many.
In the big cities in Greece, the buildings are old, ancient in fact. While ruins stand everywhere among more modern builds, there are many apartment buildings that are very old and still in use. They stand close enough to not have any room for grassy yards or gardens. Each apartment has a balcony or patio and is large enough for a meal table and planters. There is even room for toddlers to play a bit.
The city bustles all day long with people and vehicles. Most people use busses or trains. I wondered how people could be comfortable living in such cramped housing. But then I noticed something very interesting.
These cities are designed in blocks, neighborhoods if you will. Each neighborhood has all you may need to live your whole life without ever leaving your few blocks. Fresh groceries, Farmacies, Apothocaries, Tailors, Butcher Shops, Hardware, Repairs, Fish Market, Clothing, Office and Gifts, etc. And in the center of it all is a town square.
This town square holds benches, walkways, space for children to play and lots of tables. Each night after dinner time, you would see hoards of people coming out of their apartments to the town square. They would sit and visit, young men talking about work, women and grandmothers talking about children and household hints, old men talking about the old days. The children ran and laughed and played in their areas under the watchful eye of all the people.
These neighbors knew each other and were known. They knew the children’s names and where each other worked. They understood the family structures and struggles they had. They shared. They communicated. They cared.
I thought about our little park in the center of town and wondered how it could be used to foster a sense of community like this. I came away with a longing to know people better, their children’s names, where they work, their struggles and needs as well as joys and celebrations.
I still let my mind sink into this and try to make room for a vision for a community like this right here in our little town. Can we lean into each other’s lives in caring ways and see how it will enrich and enliven us? What blessing that would be!
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24 ESV
