Week 5: Civic Engagement (Or... Why Am I Doing This for Free?)

This week I wrapped up my AI course, kept up my workouts and fast, and remained knee-deep in civic association duties. You know, the kind of work that feels like a full-time job—but without the paycheck. My teenager looked at me this week and said, "I still can't believe you don't get paid for this." Same, kid. Same.

But that raises a bigger question: What is civic engagement, really? And why does it feel like so few people are doing it?

For starters, there’s an administrative side to it that can be downright unappealing—especially if you already have a day job, kids, a life... So who shows up? Mostly retirees and diehards who just really, really want to see change. That’s who’s left holding the clipboard and booking the permits.

This summer has honestly been a blessing. I’ve had time to work on streamlining the back-end clutter so others can step in with minimal confusion and maximum impact. The goal? Build something sustainable. But also—what’s the point if people don’t engage? What else do civic associations even do? And seriously—who’s teaching young people how to build up their communities? Where are the role models?

This week felt like wall-to-wall problems. Competing complaints, community tension, and no easy answers. Honestly, sometimes all I can do is give it up to God. Not because I’m giving up—but because if I don’t, I’ll spiral into stress. The real answer always seems to be the same: focus on the virtues. Practice consultation. True consultation. That’s where clarity starts.

Oh! And happy 4th! We had a lovely family day—and a surprise guest. A man showed up at the house who used to live here. Sounds like his childhood in this home was... complicated and painful. All I could think was: I’m sorry. Please know we do everything possible to keep this home as a place of peace and a safe harbor for all. He kept commenting how we transformed the place, yes, in more ways than one it seems.