I grew up out in the country in northwest allen county. I played by myself most of the time in the woods, riding bikes, and exploring. Thoughts seemed so imaginative, dreams were so big, and life was an adventure. Wasn’t it great? Who I am, including my perspective revealed on this blog, flows from those 2 square miles upon which I spent the majority of my first 15 years.
At the same time, about 25 miles away, there was a kid growing up in southeast allen county. For all I knew, the world he was living in was 1000 miles way. He also rode his bike, but not down to the creek or in the woods. He pedaled down to the 7-11 to buy a slushie and some candy. This kid was also imaginative and dreamy. But his world was different. I wonder if he ever thought what it would be like to be a kid out in the country in northwest allen county. I never thought about him either…
As we mature age, the world we see becomes less about exploration and more about categorization. Our comfort with say, clean cut yards, contributes to our sense of belonging within a given community. It could be as simple as being close to a school or living in a neighborhood where all homes have vinyl siding with 2 car attached garages. Race and socioeconomic status play a big part as well. We transition from exploring the world as we experience it, to shrinking the world down to give us security, which we value about all else.
How do we get past a plastic perspective? Do we even want to?
I have coworkers who don’t drive south of Coliseum Blvd. I know some people who don’t like it when Mexicans move into their neighborhood. If we are honest, we all dabble in categorization, prejudice, and silent racism.
What if we tried to turn this on its head? What if we began to see our community as one to be explored again? What if we set aside our security and ventured out? You don’t have to go live in an area totally different than your own just to prove a point. (see stuff white people like #71 ) We who are neurotically attached to our intellectual ideals need the therapy and simplicity of the inner city. Those who know nothing but buidings and pavement need to walk in the woods. Those who in their solitude of the forest have become complacent need to stand on the porch of a broken down quad where children abound and no adults seem to be around or, at least, be interested. And soak it all in.
To explore is to be alive. Do you ever remember feeling that?
I guess the main thing I’m driving at is there is a lot your city can bring. I’m not talking about this restaurant over here or that shopping mall over there. I’m talking about the variety of worlds that are out there; and the volume and variety of relationships. Corners and pockets that need redeeming. Both in the city and in ourselves. Begin to view the space around you as something to explore, not something to fence in. When you do, you will again experience that sense of awe and excitement when, as a child, you whispered to God and felt like he was right there beside you…when you threw a rock and believed it would never land…when you knew the world was big and still felt safe.
Go exploring.
