What a great question!
Today I attended two meetings. One is an ongoing meeting for encouragement and mutual activity. The other is to forward a great idea in our community.
Both had their high points, with laughter and a sense of direction. After I was finished them (they were back to back), I was tired but encouraged. I actually think that we are moving ahead in what we want to do. One is to encourage “fellowship”, the other is to encourage “networking.”
Now, meetings can move forward in a grinding fashion. With no laughter – no camaraderie – no knitting together. Another can form a bond that will continue into other projects. There will be laughter, an enjoyment in being together and a bonding.
That is what I call a forward looking meeting.
What we accomplish today will be helpful. How we prepare for the future is just as important. If our community is to change, there must be bonds formed that will carry us forward to the next civic improvement.
I take seriously the idea that we want to ask “How can I help?” One way to help is to form friendships that can forward the best for a community. And in the midst of all this, may God and His name be forwarded in such a way that we truly begin to hear echoes of the idea – “May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”