One of the things that I find lacking in most young people today is a sense of meaning for their life. They exist, but they don't know why they exist. They wake, work, eat, sleep, and do it all over again out of a habit more than a purpose. They follow rules and turn in homework on time, or they don't. They rebel but not because they are doing something of a higher calling or because they don't agree with the assignment, but just to create friction in their boring routine. They don't have friends and don't talk to their parents. There is no relationship with their grandparents. They are an island unto one. What is missing is community.
Community starts at home
When you think about how to define community, think of "common" and "unity". We are united by the things we have in common. This is what makes social media such an addiction. Children who have been raised on the phone and who have connected through Tic-Toc, Snap Chat, or other means of connection are being misled to believe that connection is real. Most of what we now know about technology is that algorithms are creating content to feed the young and impressionable minds information that serves the creator of content and not the recipient. When I was young we were warned that Television commercials were designed to manipulate our minds to make us purchase things we didn't want or need. Now, the manipulations go even further and are more damaging than the loss of a few dollars as children are losing their identity, committing suicide, and are falling prey to evil doers.
Community outside the home
It has been a long heald truth that those who participate in team sports are more likely to become individual thinkers and leaders when they grow up. They learn to be "team-players" and will compromise in order to win. They recognize that together they are able to accomplish the goals and following the rules makes the game honest. When others don't follow the rules and when cheating occurs they explode in righteous anger. Fairness is the foundation of the game and talent is secondary. The team exists because of the members and the individual is successful because of their united efforts. In other words, the whole is greater than its parts.
When families learn again how to create unity at home, they can help children develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Legacy goes far beyond dollars and skin color. The true meaning of life must be taught by the family and brought to the community at large.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." CORETTA SCOTT KING