Outlook & Perspective

Imagine being thrown in prison for just having a message and delivering it.  Talking it up real big, not holding back.  Publicly expressing beliefs and ideas isn't a crime.  Sure, feelings are hurt and offense is given, but it's not murder.  How would you respond if this was your situation?  Would you feel rage at being accused?  Would it not be expected behavior to snarl and glare at the jailer?  Bad mouthing the administration would be an understandable response.

Speaking for myself, I can imagine how I would react to such an injustice.  Complaining, bitterness, resentment, holding a grudge, disrespectfully loud, and maybe even aggression would be my response.  Sadly.

The missionary and tent maker, Paul, writer of the letter to the Philippians, responds with much more control.  He writes this letter from prison without the slightest suggestion of injustice.  In fact, Paul writes as if to say "no big deal, this is the stuff perseverance is made of."  Paul has learned the secret of contentment.  I think that "secret" is his focus on the mission and his hope in the future.  Paul couldn't dwell on the lousy present because he was looking intently to the future.  Christ's return and resurrection of the dead causes Paul to consider these troubles as contributions to the advance of the message.  Paul is hopeful, not discouraged, cynical or enraged.  He can't help but encourage the Philippians knowing the struggles of the church are for its benefit.  Perseverance keeps our eyes on the prize.  Seeing God finish what he started;  now that's something to push toward.

To be content is to see the big picture and committing to being "all in" to that result.  Regardless of circumstance or opposition the work of God through Christ continues and will be completed.  That is Paul's message to the Philippians.  And to me.

...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  (2:12 NIV)

Christmas and Joseph (The Other One...Think Fancy Coat)

I recently happened upon an Abraham Lincoln quote and even though his leadership quips are posted everywhere, this one in particular made my hyper-paced, undernourished brain stop.  The quote attributed to Lincoln is, "I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance with come."  This is food for my brain that is connecting to several other patterns of thought in my life right now.

One of those connectors is my study of Joseph.  Not Jesus' flesh and bones father but the one that came before, Jacob's son.  The reason why the ancient stories of the Scriptures continue to resonate to the masses throughout the generations is that the stories told are our stories.  We place ourselves in these stories because they remind us of ourselves; our own doubt, sin, faithlessness, struggle to know God and the hardness of life's circumstances.

Joseph's story is different for me.  I don't so much read it (Genesis 37-50) and reflect on how my life is like his.  There are parts of his story that are just brutal:  hated by his brothers, sold as a slave twice, hunted sexually by the wife of his boss, imprisoned wrongly, plus the pressures of governmental leadership during national crisis.  Simply put, I cannot relate to Joseph at all.

Joseph's character was off the charts.  Despite all these circumstances he persevered through it all.  Joseph did not waiver on remaining faithful. He was committed to the day and what was before him.  He seemingly saw every challenge as an opportunity.  Because of his faithful persistence, he pleased those all around him and became a highly productive member of Egyptian government.  He excelled in service and responsibility.  Any task given to him Joseph was sure to take serious and execute very well (Luke 16: 10-12).

The extreme faith of Joseph fueled his attitude.  Considering the circumstances and personal trials he managed and overcame, Joseph's focus was to stay the course and honor God even when his life didn't present good reason to.  Even at the end of his life Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  And yet Joseph's perspective, it seems, is in the context of a seven year famine and the prevention of massive starvation.  Could Joseph have known that the gathering of God's people in Egypt would only leave to more misery and ultimately to a whole nation enslaved (for generations)?  He didn't need to know because Joseph was faithful in the moments he stood.  God's plan was to gather His people for an eventual exodus and a fulfilled promise of a place to call home. Joseph's part was to gather the food during the harvest and feed the people during the famine.  He did that.

On this Christmas Eve-Eve my reflections turn to Mary, Jesus' mother.  Her story repeats an important element of Joseph's life.  Mary was faithful even when her life suddenly undergoes massive upheaval.  The personal price she paid must have been pretty steep.  The cultural backlash surely was intense.  But think of it, Mary was the one to nurture this baby and to introduce him over and over simply by responding to the question asked her regarding his name.  "His name is Jesus", Mary says, undoubtedly hundreds of times.

The story of Joseph is important not because I identify with him as a person, but because he is a man I want to emulate.  I want that kind of faith.  I want to persevere because I am satisfied in my part of God's plan.  I want to manage my life with such confidence in my God that whatever comes my way would just be treated as an opportunity to be faithful.

As Christmas is enjoyed and the new year appears, let's "study and get ready" because our chance is here.

Free* Experience

My Free* experience is now done. The group, that is--the freedom part is taking root. We Christ followers here in Cincinnati engaged in a city wide study/journey exploring what it would mean to be free in Christ. Thousands of us, including many who are not yet Christ followers, met in small groups throughout the city to unpack what freedom looks like in our lives. It was a good ride or shall I say "is a good ride".

For me I can say without reservation that this experience reinforced and confirmed some of the thoughts and issues I had been dealing with in my personal life for some 6 months prior. The group and the journal simply helped me organize my thoughts and helped steer the execution of chain breaking. This was truly an exercise of self discovery.

At times the experience was harsh. To fill in answers in the weekly journal only to turn the page and read a description that painted me as a big jerk was just rude. But needed. That is the beauty of the Church, to be surrounded by a people who want God's best for you and are willing to help you receive whatever it is.

As a result, I believe I am as close to contentment with my life as I have ever been. You know the most important thing I learned? I discovered who it is that creates the most confusion and discord in my life. It's me. I do. In my search for greatness I have ignored the fact that God's criteria for greatness is not my own. One size fits all does not apply here. The rejection and unlove that I often feel is from the lie that somehow I have to earn that love. I think Johnny Lee was onto something when he sang "Looking for love in all the wrong places...".

Freedom then means (in my life's context) pursuing greatness with the resources that God has already given me. He has given me myself. That sounds ridiculous, I know. Sound like a tag line promoting the brand "selfishness". What I mean is that God already thinks I am great and I do not have to prove it. So now instead of trying to out hard work everyone around me for some pie in the sky achievement, all I have to do is use the skills and talents I have been given for purposes that God lays out. That's it.

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. --Paul (Galatians 1:10)

Creative Energy

I have heard it said many times that the best art, music and writing is born from the depths of despair and utter darkness. Is this true? I admit that my favorite books and music are produced by authors and singer/songwriters that have history. C.S. Lewis was an atheist. Johnny Cash was an addict. I think there is something to this, mainly because I'm drawn into their stories and perspectives. Even though these insights can be sorrowful and depressing, they're real. That's why I want to keep listening or reading even though strong emotions and memories come. I can identify with what the creator is showcasing because I've felt those feelings. I can relate to Lewis with my own doubts and questions. The perspectives and beliefs Johnny describes in his songs are not too unlike my own or those around me.

I have been absent from this blog for sometime. I've considered why this is so. My motivation for writing has waned. I do have some other things going on and that is apart of it, but I believe there is more. I am going through a really good time in my life right now. Purpose is as clear now as it has ever been. Some of the broken pieces of my life are being understood and adjustments are being made. This is good. It's work but the good kind. My creative energy is being dispersed in other areas and I don't feel motivated to bare all in this forum. It's fine though really. Because all along I've said that this blog is mostly for me to process and reflect. Writing is therapeutic for me. Right now, I don't need therapy.

The Tenth Commandment

This weekend at VCC Dave Workman finished the Summer of Love teaching series with a message that reflects the essence of the tenth commandment; the commandment being "You shall not covet" and the message being "Love Contentment". You should hear for yourself using the video link here. My purpose here is to reflect on what I heard because I have questions, of course.

I struggle with contentment; seemingly always have, and the subtitle of this blog suggests that someday I hope to overcome this apparent void in my life. My primary question as it relates to contentment in the circumstances of life has to do with God's will and his use of restlessness to communicate a change of scenery or a directive to travel a different path. Is it possible to be unnecessarily struggling with circumstances trying to find joy when the Holy Spirit is in fact using the un-joy to say "This is not for you or not for now"? Simply put, is it acceptable to covet contentment all the while searching for that satisfaction of being and doing exactly what God wants? Maybe it is not so simple. The message was good and timely considering my current feelings of restlessness. I just wonder if in the process of trying to keep the tenth commandment one could miss a message from God.

Questions that I do not have answers to often complicates the process. The redeeming factor in all of the wrestling, depression, doubt and fear is that it is better than the alternative. That alternative is to be clueless; rambling on in a wandering, dead end path without any knowledge and with much naivety. Being satisfied with second best and unfulfilled in purpose is a terrible thought. The intense struggle of finding those specifics seem like a high price to pay. I think I have worked myself up to the point that loving contentment seems much harder than not coveting. Something tells me that although Dave did not outright say that to love contentment is harder maybe the truth of the teaching is that exactly. This commandment, in truth, maybe about more than not desiring something that I do not have, but rather (or additionally) to love what I do have.

I will let you know if I figure anything out. Meanwhile, watch the video and comment your own take.

Productivity Reform

Recently I have come to the realization that to do lists and schedule planners can be a silent killer. Those who know me well know that I cannot live without these items. I use them for two reasons: first, to help me remember the important things that need to be accomplished and second to help me see progress. I have often complained about my poor memory and I think that over the years my defense mechanism has been to make lists and plan tasks. My days have become centered around my schedule because achievement is important to me. I remember days of illness or extreme fatigue or when called away because of something unexpected and how upset or depressed I felt for not having been productive that day.

Seemingly, I am struggling with qualities that generally are viewed as character builders. This does not sound right but is it possible? Maybe these favorable traits are struggling with me. Things like work ethic, responsibility and drive to succeed are features that I strive to possess but I wonder if I am taking these too far? Am I receiving enough reward for the stress involved with keeping the schedule?

Lately in my praying I have sensed God teaching me about other qualities like pace, priority, and efficient wisdom. Admittedly these are things that I have not inquired about but are the Lord's response to me in reference to other things we have discussed. So my schedule has changed as a result. Wait, that is not exactly true. My list making and planning have continued for the reasons I wrote earlier, but I have changed to help myself be truly productive and not kill myself in the process. These changes are mostly attitudinal allowing for flexibility and a little spontaneity (just a smidge because a whole lot would drown me). This week specifically I have used my planner as a supplement to productivity and not the primary tool. Looking first at my primary surroundings with respect to relationships, current activity, and the time allotment before the next natural break in the day has helped me experience daily life with less stress and more value for those people and activities I have experienced. This cuts across my grain by saying that being reactive to life as apposed to proactive is bringing peace. I really do not understand that intellectually and truthfully have harsh things to say about people to live in that style. An so it is with change. It is never easy. Using my schedule as a supplement to managing my time has not been easy because I am fighting off feelings of guilt and the horrible self-characterization of laziness. The good I am experiencing this week is outweighing the bad for sure. The reward of finding more enjoyment in daily, routine life has trumped the feelings of success with items on the list crossed off.

What's next? I do not know but I will look around and see. I have options and that is a good thing.

Generational Blessing

As disappointing as it may sound, there is only so much one can accomplish during his/her time of the generational chain of history. There is a myth that claims if one works hard enough one can be and do anything he/she puts his/her mind to. There are too many examples of hard work and honest pursuit that has lead to unfulfilled goals. What if it were true that the context that the previous generation provides sets the parameters for the present segment of history? The sky is not the limit, only up to the ceiling that was left. Maybe the ceiling is lofty or maybe it is dwarfed. Either way, its concrete and not predetermined if one will reach it. The significance and meaning of one's life does not lie in individual accomplishments and milestones exclusively. These noteworthy pieces of achievement are very important to the limited view of the individual but to see what God sees would be mind blowing. These individual achievements would look very small considering the divine plan for the universe and its entire history.

What can one really know for sure about their life and how it fits generationally? Choices matter and relationships are indispensable and should be clung to tightly. Knowing full well that life is much too complicated most of the time to consider anything other that the decisions of the day; it helps to consider the big picture, especially during those times of doubt, fear, or uncertainty. Making decisions with the long term in mind does not sound fun and most definitely not simple. The patterns of having many questions and few answers leaves one discontent and unfulfilled. In the depths of sorrow and failure, contentment is possible. Review the characters and lessons of the past; see what was left to continue and learn the boundaries of individual purpose and mission. Use that foundation to make choices that will encourage growth and an expansion of those boundaries. Get excited for the future, anticipating those in front will grab tightly onto the baton and run with exuberance toward the next scene in the great story. The story that is being told is important, first, because it is personal. There is ownership naturally attached to one's story. One's experiences and reactions to life that surrounds can never be sanely disputed and discredited. Circumstances are real and cannot be stolen away.

Secondly, the story is important because it fits into a bigger, eternal story. Here is where a greater sense of contentment comes. Doing one's best with max effort and pure heart is the absolute best that can be done. What is the sense in comparing it to what others have done or are doing? Is this where contentment in life gets lost? An eternal story is being told, and God is the author. God is presenting this story through generational patterns shaped by individual choices. In the end, if allowed, contentment will surely be felt and known despite the disappointment of today.

And God spoke all these words: 'I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.' (Exodus 20:1-6)

Finding Contentment in the Family Tree

The events and experiences of life have a context that one tries to interpret for today. What does it all mean and what can one learn from these moments? From the moment one is old enough to think and process, it seems the search for meaning emerges. Throughout life, one is given, intentionally or unintentionally, a set of rules and standards to uphold that gives life an explanation. Sometimes, of course, the message takes a negative outlook showing a life of chaos, confusion, and on-going sorrow. Most of the time, the lives that fall under these circumstances exist unintentionally, meaning that the person involved does not hope for hopelessness and despair. Then there are lives that take a positive outlook, showing a life of happiness, purpose, and success. These lives, just like those who live the opposite, take shape with personal choices. Choices lead to experiences and experiences turn the pages of history and set the framework of the next generation. Whether one lives a life of chaos or happiness the circumstances under which it begins was put in place by the generation before. Trying to understand the framework and foundation of one's life comes with many questions and too often one's vision to understand is limited and confined to asking this: "What does this mean for right now?" A better question may be, "What does this mean in relation to the generation prior and the one to come?" Again, context is the underpinning of understanding our lives because one's life is not singular and unrelated to other lives. Interpreting one's life experiences seems much more important and fruitful when asking questions that relate to a generational understanding. Not only does one get a broader perspective and understanding when looking at life from a generational point-of-view but also one is directed to make more significant and purposeful choices. These choices, made in a spirit of exploration and intent help form an attitude of discovery and an outlook of better things to come.

An honest attempt to discern the meaning in one's individual life in proper context seems to be an exercise not unlike an exhaustive attempt at genealogy. Piecing together the connection of relatives and deciphering their personalities and the accomplishments of their lives is a study that can give inspiration, pride, disappointment, and even frustration. Very often, the answers one is given to explain and order life end up not being answers at all but form questions that were never thought to be asked. Maybe that defines maturity, that is, understanding one's life both from the knowledge of what is happening now and having perspective on how one's life fits in the broader view of generational growth. Like a puzzle, the pieces come together above, below, and side-to-side to form the complete image. Also like a puzzle, the individual pieces cannot view the complete image as it sits as a whole. Its role is in its place on the table just like one's life has a point-in-time assignment in history. It is beneficial, of course, to look back to the past for context and meaning. Better yet, it is important to leave something of value behind for loved ones to enjoy and continue cultivating. The point is that neither those of the past or those next in line will see fully the significance or impact, positive or negative, of the present. God is telling a remarkable story and to be apart of the plot is simply terrifying. Someday, when the Lord's story is complete and in full view of all, one's small, particular corner of history will deem itself necessary and contentment will no longer ride with self absorption or unanswered questions.

Snow Days

This is day two of a wintry blast that has kept me inside. I am running out of things to do. There is only so much reading and animated movie watching (school was canceled and the kids needed entertainment so cut me some slack) I can mentally tolerate. So with the extra days, I've managed to play lots of Wii (please don't misunderstand), work a 300 piece puzzle, play Chutes & Ladders and Sorry!, try my hand at photography (see pics above and below) and shovel lots of snow.

These last two days have been both good and bad. I have enjoyed these relaxed days with my family. It has been a much needed retreat that I often neglect. With these days spent with my wife and children the good has far outweighed the bad. The laughs and hugs has every bit been worth the breach of routine.

Since my schedule has been destroyed the last two days the time has allowed for much more daily reading. This is good in that I am thoroughly enjoying Hague's biography on Wilberforce. But with more time means more reflection, and I shouldn't prolong the inner dialogue with myself. This usually means that my search for contentment intensifies and satisfaction for how I'm living my life wanes. Reading about William Wilberforce and living in a world of sorrow makes me want to do something big and important. Sometimes I wonder, "Is this all there is for me?" Don't get me wrong. I love my life; my family and friends. I'm not so sure I love my place in this world. It's just that I'm mostly not convinced that I'm living up to my potential. I dream and wonder about how I could make a greater contribution and then am reminded of (seemingly) my limitations. My mind gets all twisted up and so it is difficult to flesh all of this out. We have a rule in our house about speaking nonsense, so I must obey and stop now.

Well I'm off to the Winter X Games, er I mean outside to shovel snow and chip ice off my car!

Traveling For Christmas

I think I'm ready for Christmas now, although I don't really know exactly what it means to be ready. If it means that the tree is trimmed, shopping is done, gifts are wrapped, hot chocolate is...hot, and the travel itinerary is set, then yes, I'm ready. It seems the older I get the harder it is to be in the Christmas spirit and actually be heart and mind ready. All this preparatory stuff gets in the way of enjoying the celebration and significance of Jesus' birth. I can do without the distractions. Give me peace and good will toward men.

Christmas Day is just a few away and as I read the Christmas story according to Luke I am struck by how much travel Jesus endured in his early infant days. His parents, Joseph and Mary (pregnant with Jesus) traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to check in with the local government. Jesus was delivered here in a stinky barn. From there the family traveled to Jerusalem for the baby dedication in the temple. Then at the urging of an angel, the family was exiled to Egypt (part of Mark's narrative) because the king wanted Jesus dead. Once King Herod was dead, the family returned to Nazareth where the trip first began.

The traveling for Jesus didn't end, in fact it continued for the remainder of his life. I don't know that Jesus ever called a place "home" in the same way we do. Jesus never go too comfortable in any one place and often wore out his welcome. His life was a journey of purpose not places. Click here for an outline of Jesus' life journey as he made his way from town to town. As one reads the gospel narratives, Jesus seems to be a homeless drifter.

I don't know why this particular point has been raised with me other than to remind me of the places I've been. This doesn't seem to be a traditional or even poetic Christmas theme I know. Hilary and I will periodically talk about our map and discuss what led to the various places we've made home and what ultimately led us some place else. Even our plot here in Cincinnati, questions have been raised as to why we are here. We feel like we have moved alot and wonder at times if we have made life difficult for ourselves. Our immediate families are far enough away that our lives cannot blend together as we'd like at times. Admittedly there are times we (mostly me) are glad we're far, far away.

For Jesus and all the stops he made as a homeless drifter, it was never about the location or the circumstances. He didn't complain about the housing market or the tax base or even the condition of the public schools. Jesus didn't worry about a job with benefits or how far away he was from his parents. He was content with his purpose as God's Son.

As I spend Christmas here at home and then travel to both sides of family I'm asking the Lord to repel circumstances and to reveal purpose. I don't know if there will be any more moves in the future but either way, my prayer this Christmas is to understand his purpose for me in the place he has prepared, as God the Father did for his only son (Matthew 1:20&21, NLT).

...and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

TurkeyFest

The Henson family participated in TurkeyFest at VCC this morning. We picked up a food box last weekend and filled it up with all the items that would constitute traditional Thanksgiving dinner fare. These grocery boxes (1,200 plus were delivered today) are meant for those in our city whose life's circumstances are under stress. The church was at work today, serving those specifically singled out by the Holy Spirit.

Listen, that last sentence is not just some cute, church jargon thrown out to sound pure or holy or theologically sound. The Holy Spirit moved among His people today and the church was empowered. The Hensons were empowered. When we arrived this morning we had no idea who would receive the box we had prepared. In fact, a stack of loose sheets of paper with what seemed to be random names and address were sent down each isle. Each family or person participating was to take one and go. As the stack came to me I grabbed the one on top and passed the remaining stack to the guy next to me. Turns out, the person we delivered our TurkeyFest box to happens to live just a couple of miles from us.

Recently, as in yesterday, Hilary and I were talking about our time here in NCH and our desire to get more plugged-in to the community. We were sort of complaining about how disconnected we feel sometimes although we agreed it was our own fault. We are looking for ways to serve in our own neighborhood; meeting new people and letting God use us. So, of the 1,200 grocery boxes delivered all over greater Cincinnati today, we had the privilege of serving a lady right down the street.

Truth is, I don't really believe that stack of papers identifying those in need was random at all. Sure, those in dire circumstance are to be loved and served regardless of where they live. If we had delivered our box to a family in Loveland or Milford, the same Holy Spirit would have empowered us to bless and serve another just the same. I think God may be trying to tell us that our conversation about our neighborhood and our place in it was legit. God blessed us with just the opportunity we were looking for.

Restless

I'm in that place again. Restless. This seems to happen far too often. The good comes with the bad but right now the bad seems overwhelming. I've been restless for some time now (months) but haven't confessed. Most days I come home from work physically tired and emotionally weak. What I've learned about myself in these restless periods is that in my vocational work purpose far outweighs amenities. As is usually the case in moments of vulnerability, my dependence upon God has intensified.

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you (Genesis 12.1, NASB)." Recently this verse reminded me of the Lord's appeal for adventure. That's the good part of being restless; knowing (at least hoping) that there is a new challenge ahead. I think that's why this directive of God to Abram brings me comfort; that the unknown is known by God. So, in my restlessness I wait for God to show me what I need to be doing.

In the meantime I ask, "Is contentment contingent upon purpose and passion?" "Can satisfaction come with simply being?" "Is it selfishness that brings about restlessness (jealous for something else) or is it God communicating the next phase of His ultimate plan?" God has created complex creatures-us human kind folk. If we could figure "us" out I suppose "we" would figure that would be reason enough not to need God. Good thing God is present, pointing us in the right direction; showing us where to be and what to do.

Finding Your Niche

Often I find myself people watching as many do, and I have had this recurring question pop up, "What if there were more people who had jobs and careers that centered on their natural gifts and passions?" I ask that, I suppose, because as I observe I see a vast number of people who appear unhappy and disconnected. That's purely speculation on my part. We've all have bad days, so without actually interviewing the masses there is no real way to determine who is content and who is not.

As I have thought about this I presume that the world's economy would be stronger or at least more stable. It seems there would be fewer career changes and greater job retention as the desire for more pay would be secondary. Or would it? One would think (at least this one doing the typing) that when a person is doing a job that they are both good at and enjoy that their motivation would differ from the person who hates their job. I have been in that situation. I have been in a job that I didn't like and as I became more and more dissatisfied the desire for increased pay and position grew. Maybe I am totally wrong. Maybe the power of money and status is so strong that even those of us who are content and correctly placed would be persuaded to be disgruntled and ineffective and eventually look elsewhere.

I also wonder about how we would treat one another if the majority of us were in our place of contentment. It seems like there would be more 'servants' active in the community not concerned about how many dollars are being made but how much of a contribution can be made in others lives.

So is it because a person has not discovered his/her true gifts that leaves them empty and misplaced? Yes. Or is it that the pursuit for significance is misunderstood and turns one inward--chasing after money and power? Yes. It's really not that simple I suppose. Staying within the boundaries of gifts and talents doesn't guarantee anything regarding contentment. I was talking with someone the other day about 12 step programs and how these meetings aren't always a fix. He suggested God's 5 step approach...G-R-A-C-E!

Is it against blog etiquette to answer your own questions? Sorry, I didn't mean to delve into why a person may seem unhappy. My main thought is about how the world as we currently know it would be changed if others were doing the things that struck a chord within them? What would my neighborhood look like and how would it function?