I have had a vision of living in an intentional community since I was 21. I am now 69. Do the math, which I am not good at. 48 years!
A kind reader asked me the question, “What keeps you going.”
I am glad to reflect on this question.
What keeps me going is a burning desire to do something that will alleviate the suffering in the world in the most effective way possible. I have had empathy for those who are suffering since I was a child. If I was not working on something that could get to the core of the problems we safe, my life would not be fulfilling. We all need purpose. I believe I came into this life with the passion and ability to create a community that could be healthy on all levels and which could be duplicated by others easily.
Even though I have not yet manifested this goal, I am certainly closer to reaching it than I ever have been. No longer am I desperate to live in community to alleviate the loneliness I have experienced. But I do at times feel a deeply painful longing to get on with this vision so that I can serve all of life with the multitude of talents God has been so kind to bless me with. I yearn to work with others who have complementary talents like producing videos and podcasts. People who can build, fix cars, cook healthy meals (I can do that, but I prefer to do other things), do permaculture design, organize and get funding for large projects like a healing center or a place for people who have been traumatized by the sex trafficking trade to live and be healed.
The fact that someone was willing to pay for improvements on the land that I own, including building a common house (which is a huge blessing) is amazing! Recently I earned enough money so that some important additions to the common house could be made, and I was able to spend time expanding the gardens. I have gotten clearer on my vision and written about practical things like agreements and the screening process.
I finally found a Community Land Trust near where I live and I am soon going to be in touch with them.
I have to work to make a living, and I am finishing up a commitment that I made to prepare a house that I have been able to co-caretake for the past 7 years. I see this as a debt that I need to pay and although it keeps me from spending much time on Wilberforce Village, I am doing my best to do the right things–not easy things.
What also keeps me going is a dream that my children and grandchildren might want to live here when things are going strong, and it is such a beautiful, vibrant place where they could even earn a livelihood doing things they love to do.
I know that every year I get closer to becoming the person I need to be to coordinate the building of Wilberforce Village as my connection to Jesus grows deeper and more secure. He is inspiring me to really do the work of forgiving those who have appeared to be my enemies, and to forgive myself for the mistakes I have made. To see everyone through His eyes of love. I still am going to be setting boundaries and doing best to screen people so that destructive people who can actually ruin the start up community–do not get in. I understand that hurting people hurt people, and He is constantly reminding me that I was such a person in the past, and that I received His mercy and grace. Jesus does this lovingly, without condemnation.
I keep going because I faith that with God, nothing is impossible. Recently I read in the Jesus Calling devotional that instead of constantly reminding God that I have a need, after I express that need (like I want Wilberforce Village to be a thriving force of good that helps transform all of life into the Garden of Eden-like existence that God envisions).
I need to stop and say–I just articulated a vision I have not yet stated.
Anyway, instead of reminding God of what I already prayed for, I can thank God for answering my prayer. I can also ask Father, Son and or Holy Spirit to guide me so that I can fulfill a vision that I believe is in alignment with his ultimate plan.
I can also envision what I prayed for, and thank God for my vision, and ask for clarification on how to proceed.
When my benefactor spent thousands of dollars to get valuable infrastructure built on the property–that was a miracle. When my former husband decided to deed his share of the property to me because our visions just did not mesh, and he wanted me to fulfill my vision–that was a miracle. When recently I got a two month long job helping a client downsize and get his house ready for selling, getting paid my top wages, that was a miracle. This made it possible for me to finally live in the common house–until it got too cold. I almost got a stove there, but I think it is a miracle that I have a warm place to stay with internet and companionship.
I sense that this is going to be the year where people come forth who really need a healing place to be, and I will be able to facilitate the creation of a place where we can work together to create the vision of Wilberforce Village that can include many visions. I want to make land available to people who share my values and over all vision, who want to do their own worthwhile projects. This is exciting to me! Others will want to come and work along side of me, and learn what I know, and they can teach me what they know.
Ultimately, it has to be Jesus who keeps me going. Without His life, I would have no life. I am so grateful for all He has done for me.
What keeps you going to fulfill your vision, if you have one. If you don’t, can you find out what the purpose of your life is–specifically–what role you think you have to play?
