For the past few weeks, I have been doing communications work for a St. Charles church.
It’s only a temporary gig — I took it with just a few hours’ notice — so I’ve had to juggle other commitments, which has meant some long, busy days (and, thanks to the Cubs, a few long nights as well).
Although I’d rather not leave Naperville each morning for that no-easy-way-to-get-there commute, I like the work and really enjoy the people. The church is big and busy and has developed a wonderful sense of community.
One of the things I like the best is the way they’re intentionally taking a breather right now. As part of a monthlong study of Barbara Brown Taylor’s book “An Altar in the Wilderness,” church members have been asked to submit photos of “the Spirit at work throughout your day.”
I’ve posted many of them on Facebook the last couple of weeks, and I enjoy this little gratitude break. The photos and the stories behind them are awesome, whether they be of a beautiful sunrise, a selfie a man took with a co-worker who twice survived cancer or a “contentment” portrait of a man napping at home with one dog lying at his feet and the other draped over a nearby chair.
These images have prodded me to think about specific things that make me glad I live in Naperville. Here are some, in no particular order:
*The clothing resale shops offered once or twice a year at Naperville schools. What a great way to reuse and recycle, save some money and benefit kids at the same time. Different schools have their niches, with some focusing on baby/toddler clothing and equipment, older kids’ clothing or designer clothing for adults. Others offer band instrument consignment or toy resales. You can specify that you want unsold items to be donated directly to a local charity too. (Ellsworth Elementary’s children’s and teens’ clothing sale continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, with many items half price.)
*People who believe in a cause strongly enough to fight for it, even if I think their position is wrong (I’m looking at you, original Nichols Library preservationists).
*People who can disagree on political or public issues yet still be friendly and understanding with each other (see item above).
*Annette Wehrli, of Naperville Trolley and Tours, who gives a very entertaining history tour of Naperville involving even more personal stories than you might expect from someone whose family has lived in Naperville since 1846. This time of year the company is concentrating on Halloween holiday light tours, but you still can catch an occasional Wehrli-guided history tour (the next is Nov. 24, if you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the family after Thanksgiving dinner).
*The Islamic Center of Naperville Free Clinic, where anyone without health insurance can receive free — absolutely free — nonemergency general health care from 9 a.m. to noon the first Sunday of each month and from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the center, 2844 W. Ogden Ave.
*The Family and Consumer Sciences teacher who gave sixth-graders a homework assignment to clean out the family refrigerator. My daughter spent more than an hour wiping off bottles and jars, removing and cleaning shelves, disposing of outdated food and reorganizing it all. My husband and I were dazzled by the results.
*The people who took part in the 35th annual Naperville Area Crop Hunger Walk last Sunday, despite the chilly temperatures and part of the course being under water thanks to the rain. After all, the hungry can’t take a day off for inconvenient weather.
*The Riverwalk — all year round!
I can think of many more, but I’d really like to hear what you think. What makes Naperville special to you? Comment online or email me your thoughts at keatoncolumn@outlook.com.
Susan Keaton is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Naperville.
