The Reciprocity of Community

The Good Neighbor Project has represented a personal invitation to "be ye doers of the word, not hearers only" with an emphasis on Christ's call to "love thy neighbor as thyself." This is enacted literally, with a focus on theology that is embodied in geography--loving one's actual neighbor.

This means nurturing relationships within our community, with a prioritization on fostering a sense of belonging and the general reciprocity this can allow as we participate in the blessing of both giving and receiving.

With carefully curated literature, liturgy, and lecture topics we encounter insights to process and spiritual disciplines to cultivate as we actively practice what we preach. This, too, is done in community, as we establish rhythms that seek to further the common goodness that is to be found in the way, the truth, and the life of Christ.

As a stereotypical introvert, this can pose a challenge to the natural tendencies of my own personality. I am continuing to learn that this alone is not a disqualifying criteria or an excused absence from the call to love one another (with all the facets that includes!) Nature and nurture do have influence in our lives, but so does choice. I have come to believe that it is in our capacity for choice that we are called to respond to Christ's commandment to love well. Further still, if I dig deeper than the surface of my disposition alone, I do discover a desire for connection and belonging that not even my introversion can deny. As social creatures by design, we take our cues from the relationship of the trinity, "our Father" who is himself Emmanuel: God with us.

In light of these reflections, I offer a haiku...

love thy neighbor with

common goodness fostering

reciprocity

Having spent the first two decades of his life across both coasts of the U.S. (New Jersey & California), Tim now lives as a transplant to Lancaster county with his wife (Izzy) and newborn daughter (Pearl).  

He has a personal past and present passion in mental health interests. He has been actively involved in the field professionally for the past 8 years, most recently as a therapist in a partial hospitalization program since completing his graduate studies in 2023 with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. 

Tim's special interests include weekly trivia night at the local pub, roller skating, practicing mindfulness, and being a lifelong learner.