When I was in Wilson over the holidays, Castonoble Hooks and I talked a bit about our expectations for the upcoming cleanup season at Odd Fellows. Among other things, we expressed hope for more volunteer support, such as we had in the first couple of years. Many hands, fifty or sixty hands, made light work back then. We admitted disappointment that fewer volunteers have answered the call recently.

Thinking about that conversation, I am reminded of Rabbi Tarfon’s words in Pirkei Avot 2:16:

“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.”

We’ve done so much, but there is so much yet to do at Odd Fellows and Rountree Cemeteries and in advocacy for Vick Cemetery. Time and distance and money and apathy are daunting foes. However, this passage tells us we needn’t worry about completing the work. We have only to put our shoulders to the tasks in front of us. We need only focus on what we are doing today; tomorrow is someone else’s turn. Someone else will do what we cannot.

Odd Fellows Cemetery on a December morning.

As we gazed out over the frosty expanse of Vick Cemetery, Cass and I reaffirmed our own commitments to Lane Street Project as a calling. Our steps are ordered, and we will continue Lane Street Project’s work as long as we can. Soon, I will share exciting news for expanded ways to help Lane Street Project, made possible with the help of others who share our vision for the reclamation of these sacred spaces. This is today’s work.