I returned recently from some time with extended family. Every year, one of the joys of that time is to watch how the young people in our family (the offspring of my siblings) are growing into themselves. Familiar personality traits are on display at every gathering. Each year there are some surprises, too.
My nephew Alex is the youngest in a group of nine cousins, ranging in age from 30 years old to 18. This summer, Alex joined us from his job working as a camp counselor in the Poconos. Generally enthusiastic, he loved his experience there—he found community with the other counselors, and he discovered some of the gifts he has for teaching and coaching.
It was so much fun to hear him describe the role he had in encouraging those who thought they were just a little too cool for the goofy fun of camp. “I brought the ‘chalance,’” he said. “At the start of each session there was always some nonchalance, so my job was to bring the ‘chalance’!”
I laughed out loud when I heard him say that. “Chalance” is not the opposite of nonchalance. It’s not a word at all, actually–but it should be! I knew exactly what Alex meant, and I could picture him, with all his extroverted enthusiasm, helping campers to let down their defenses so that they could participate fully in the experiences being offered to them.
“Bringing the chalance” is not everyone’s charism. Each one of us contributes something unique to the Body of Christ. As we continue to move through the struggles and heartaches of this moment, let’s take some to appreciate all the ways people resist by offering their gifts to the world.
Blessings,
