TRIBE

Last night I took Daughter No. 2 to Poole Park where she was kayaking. While she was doing this I jogged the exercise trail that extends around the park and harbour, and noted the different cliques occupying their own distinct spheres within this small area of land.


There were the other runners and exercise trail-ers; mostly on their own or in twos, but some in club groups. The dog walkers. On the water were the kayakers. And the sailors – both on the lake and in the harbour. The fishermen. There were the model boat enthusiasts, over in their sectioned off corner of the lake. There were the bikers, pouring in for the regular Tuesday evening meet. There were the cricketers. And the cycle speedway. There were the skaters. And the families at the play park.

An incredible range of recreational activity, all happening in close physical proximity, but utterly distinct and separate from one another.

Apart from being just one more evidence that Poole is a very cool place to live, with huge lifestyle advantages and loads going on (you should move here!) it got me thinking about the essentially tribal nature of Man.

I got talking to another father whose daughter had not always shared his enthusiasm for their chosen hobby, “But this is our life now, so she has to get on with it.”

“This is our life now.” What a strong statement!

“Who am I? What tribe do I belong to? What gospel will I preach?” Everyone asks these questions. How they answer can lead to an interesting hobby. Or ethnic cleansing. Or eternal life.