Something I have come to appreciate living here:
Even though I cannot see my neighbor's house from my own, even though there are acres separating us rather than a few steps, I am more attuned to the people in this community than I had ever been living in the middle of an apartment complex, or the cookie-cutter quarters of suburbia.
In Mountain View, I don't believe I exchanged more than a handful of words with people who lived not more than ten feet away from my front door. It was usually a passing nod of acknowledgement or more often, the side-eye saying, "I know we don't have assigned parking spaces, but you know I park there every day, why did you park there today---don't you see I have small children and groceries?!"
But now, even though our homes are much further apart, my neighbors and I have more meaningful interactions on a regular basis. There is a genuine warmth that I hadn't really realized I was missing until I experienced it. We have potlucks and play dates. We celebrate together. Mourn together. We pray together. We share talents and learn from each other.
It's been such a blessing to meet so many lovely people, and to feel accepted into this larger extended family. Everyone has so much to share and teach and learn from one another.
One of these lovely neighbors goes by the name of Matthew Jennings, owner of Jennings Carpentry, and his lovely wife, Christine. I work with a non-profit (something I might expand on in a later post), and for one of our fundraising events, he made some beautiful compassion crosses as our thank you gift to the donors present.
What is a compassion cross?
I see it as an answer to this generation and the fidget spinner and all its variations. Or rather, it was the answer before these things. It is a small cross, carved and shaped to fit into the contours of your hand.
Matthew hand mills and carves the wood from olive trees local to the area. Each has its own unique grain, texture, and coloring. It is just the right size to fit into your pocket or your hand. For little children, it's a wonderful way to remind them to turn to prayer in times of need, to literally, bear your cross. Christine shines the crosses with beeswax and coconut oil to bring out the natural beauty of each cross, and she can personalize crosses upon request. She says you can add a drop of essential oils to the wood as well, a soothing scent plus tactile comfort.
They are simple, but so beautiful. Their oldest son slipped a few into my hand during a play date.
"These for you," he said.
I held onto it all day, turning it over and over in the palm of my hand. Mine has a safe spot in my sweater. I dig my hands into my pockets when I am anxious or stressed, and now when I do, my fingers brush against the wood of this beautiful cross.
If you are interested in having a compassion cross of your own, you can make an order here, or look at some of the other beautiful carpentry projects that Matthew does at his shop.
(Christine also teaches some wonderful art classes both online and in studio for anyone interested. You can find information about them here and here.)
Love Your Neighbor! Love mine too, please!
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