I sometimes think of my life like a Venn diagram, three or more connected circles that sort information into alike-unlike. Because I've moved, participated, and served, I've developed quite a network of folks. Here's a recent example: My neighbor Eva called one day to say she knows someone I know from Stratton and Wamego. But she wouldn't tell me who! I had to meet them for coffee to find out. So last Thursday I drove into town to our cute little coffeehouse, True Brew. Though I had racked my brain, I never dreamed I'd see Diane, someone I'd hired as a teacher in Stratton, who just so happened to secure a job in Wamego, too! We all visited for about three hours, and made so many connections.
- We moved to Wamego the same year, and Diane outbid us for a house where she lived for 15 years!
- After leaving teaching, she applied for a job at a business owned by my friends who actually live in Stratton.
- She knows Eva because she goes to church with her!
- She works at Stormont Vail where my mom was a nurse!
LOVE these kinds of connections!
Here's another one. My nephew's girlfriend is gutting out the work of finding a job. I wanted to help, and suddenly, Brain Fart! I know someone who works in advertising and marketing in Kansas City. He is on my Top 10 All Time favorite students' list. (Why? He was kind, always wore a smile, a hard worker who struggled, and was always planning something!) Over time, he's owned several businesses, making each one customer friendly and successful, but I digress. I took it upon myself to private message him, asking for his advice on the KC job market for Maya. My heart burst when Tate answered back, offering her a call and anything else he could do! I helped him, he helped Maya!
Last one - Another student from Wamego who is near to my heart moved to Colorado after high school. One day I got a message from his mom, telling me Bryce was dating a girl from Stratton. We left Stratton in 2006, and Brooke was an elementary student, so I had no idea who he could be dating! Before long, they were married and this spring they had a baby girl! Now, they live in Wamego!
I'm sure my stories are no different than others, especially with the advent of social media. I've often been surprised to see who knows whom on the "like" button. Moving back home, I'm putting together new family groups with those I knew as a child. I see several friends from school and have met the men and women who married "into" our Class of 1977.
Most of all, I'm grateful to be part of a never ending circle that is our farm. Of course, the seasons and the circle of life around us, but more importantly, the family gift and connection from generation to generation. Hopefully, someone will want to continue the never ending circle of family blessings and stewardship that bring us so much joy!
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