By David Key
A “do it yourself” catalog firm received the following letter from one of its customers: “I built a birdhouse according to your stupid plans, and not only is it much too big, it keeps blowing out of the tree. Signed, Unhappy.
The firm replied: “Dear Unhappy, We’re sorry about the mix-up. We accidentally sent you a sailboat blueprint. But if you think you are unhappy, you should read the letter from the guy who came in last in the yacht club regatta.”
Sometimes in life we get confused about things. One of the things too many of us around Lake Oconee get confused about is the word “community.” We think it applies to a geographical location, or an event or a business enterprise. Or some non-profit organization. No! Community means we know each other and care about each other. We are there for each other in good times and bad. In 2010, I am committed to helping organize and embody “community” here in the Lake Oconee area. There are others committing with me as well. If you are not aware of it, the Lake Welcome Center is under new management and headed in new and exciting ways this coming year. You need to be a part of it. Be on the lookout for special announcements about an “open house” or just come by in the days ahead. Hopefully there will be a slew of activities happening there that will not only be fun, but will help you and me get to know each other and others in this area. Join me in this commitment in 2010 and beyond. It will make Lake Oconee a much better place to live. It will make you and me better people. Wishing you much love and much light.
—The Rev. David W. Key, director of the Baptist Studies Program, is involved in recruitment, admissions, student life, counseling, placement, and development functions for Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He teaches in the Contextual Education program. He is the founding pastor of the Lake Oconee Community Church at Reynolds Plantation. Contact him at (404) 727-6350 or dkey@emory.edu. His
column appears weekly in this space.
