Small towns are wonderful. Everyone knows you (which can also be precarious in that they also know all of your business). But to know and be known by others is a wonderful gift! I grew up in a medium sized city so it's a lot different for me now living and working in a small town (two towns actually-side by side). You meet people on the street that you know and can chat with, who care about what's going on in your life. They remember the last conversation you had together and they ask about what developments have occurred since you last saw one another. That is a real gift.
Human beings crave community. Of this I am sure! Even those who like to be alone, or who don't mind being alone, crave companionship. The church of our day is working very hard to create places of community for its disciples. In a small town or a small church those relationships already exist. They may be taken for granted but they certainly do exist. In our church we have been talking about "spiritual mentors" for the past year. Having a spiritual mentor is one of the gifts of community. We have adults who have special relationships with our young people. There is a distinct bond between them and it is my dream that every young person in our parish (and even bigger-our town) would have a "mentor" who checks up on them, asks them how they are doing, what God has been up to in their lives lately, and really sees them for who they are. Imagine how much strength this provides for the communion of saints!
Small isn't always "less than." Bigger isn't alway better. Both have their advantages and disadvantages for sure. I hope to do some reflecting on what God is up to in those "small" places because they are very powerful places. In this Christmas season I am also reminded of God's promise to Bethlehem of Ephrathah, the smallest of the clans of Judah. . . from you will come the Christ. . . I will use you for my purposes. . . you are not insignificant. . . you have a purpose and a calling and your uniqueness is a gift.
