Community

A screenshot of the CBC online article

             I had the great pleasure this week of speaking with a journalist from the CBC - she was doing a story on how churches were planning Christmas during COVID... word had gotten to her about our delivery of pre-consecrated communion for Christmas, and they were interested in learning more.
            I described how this was not normal, but building on the tradition of home communions (taking the sacrament beyond the building to the people of the church), we were celebrating being spiritually together while physically apart.
            The inevitable question came up: Isn't communion about community?
           Yes. It is! Community with God and with each other. However - community is not always defined as the person seated next to you on any given day. 
            Community is about knowing people, and being known - so we can react and respond when there are changes and occasions within community. It's reaching out to a friend who's going through a tough time... it's dropping off soup to a neighbour with sick kids... it's supporting local groups who work with food re-distribution and social supports... it's praying for the people in the homes you walk past on a stroll... it's journeying alongside someone standing up for what is right... and yes, it's coming together in the church to share in the body and blood of Christ.
            So for those of us here at St. John's, we don't have to come to the building to achieve community - we *live* community. We connect with one another, we reach out to those who may need help, we do what we can to make our part of the world a better place. 
            We don't always get it right, but we do try: because we care, and because we can. 
            And in doing that, we are doing our best to live the Gospel - 365 days a year, including Christmas. 
            Christmas this year was about new ways of celebrating our traditions. So although much was different, much was also the same: including Christmas communion. While the church made a headline one day for delivering communion, we live the joy every day of delivering community. 

Spell-Cherker

In my writing, one of the things I am grateful for is the spell-checker. 

Admittedly, my spelling usually isn't terrible, and my typing isn't generally too bad; however, there are times when I end up with something VERY different than what I intended; I may be typing too quickly, or when I am tired or distracted and not at my best. And so, with a quick spell-check, I get the chance to edit out anything that should not be in the writing.

I've had a lot of opportunity to do this recently; my current chapter 3 is on re-write number 4, with more to come!

As much as it can be a nuisance, this editing and rewriting is a gift; as I am able to re-phrase and re-work my efforts, I can clarify what is being said, eliminate parts that are unnecessary or off-topic or just awkward. And, by going through such a process, my writing is better, my project is more concise, and it's an overall better experience.

Wouldn't it be great if we all did some editing in our daily communications? 

Well, we can: we can be intentional about what we say, and what we write. We can avoid hitting the send button in anger, we can verify facts before we pass along judgements, we can choose an appropriate audience. It's not always easy; but it is always possible - in fact, it's Christian. Ephesians 4.29 reminds us: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

One of the resources I have shared is the "Think Before You Speak" practice.... it invites folks to be intentional, before they speak (or email, or post on social media!)

THINK before you speak. (Or, thiinky before you speaky!)

T - is it true? Are these facts or guesses?

H - is it helpful? Will this build up the church/community/conversation, or tear it down?

I - is it important? Is this adding to the conversation, or has this already been shared? 

I - is it inspiring? Will this encourage the hearer? Is it a faithful response to the situation?

N - is it necessary? Does it need to be shared here and now?

K - is it kind? Even difficult conversations can be kind; is your delivery rude or mean?

Y - is it your story? Or are you telling someone else's story?

It's a good practice to get into, and can provide that basic 'edit' function to our conversations. And we can practice with our friends in casual chats, until it becomes more natural to us... because it will make a profound difference in our interactions, if we can speak the grace that has been given us. All we need to do is imagine how we would feel to hear what we're saying... and maybe find that metaphorical edit button. 

Advent Adventures: New Traditions

          Christmas, we know, will look different this year. And many of us are lamenting what won't be - the traditions that we done in years past, the rhythms of the season that have

            And I know many are expressing these laments in terms of those we hold nearest and dearest. The kids won't have their school concert; the pets won't have their Santa picture, the multi-generational massive feast won't be all at the same table.

            I recognise that this is not what we want. We want the traditions, we want the experiences, we want that inaccessible sense of historical security. Though, would everything *really* be okay if we did what we've always done? Or can we be open to new opportunities?

            I have seen many expressions of enthusiasm as families are focusing their energy on building traditions around their priorities. They are rejecting the "woe is ME!" mentality as they establish new ways to celebrate, having re-evaluated the intention behind each of those things that are changed.

            The family meal? A friend is creating 'take-out' packages and door-drop-delivering to their family, who will all join on Zoom - where no one needs to change out of their PJs!

            The church service or carol sing? With online options, Christmas is so big it bursts beyond the confines of one building! (I'll be worshiping in London and New York, and Winnipeg and Lunenburg!)      

            The fellowship? A friend has compiled a recording of a favourite book for her children, with each chapter read by a different member of the tribe: each day they listen, chat about the person, and send a note of care back.

            The parties? Phone-a-friend and don't worry about vaccuuming up the dog hair!           

            This year is definitely different. And we're not always comfortable with different. But let's find ways to use that different setting that we've been given as a way to increase our intentionality about celebrating. And who knows - maybe our new traditions will be so exciting that even in a post-COVID world we'll want to continue them.

 

Hello, My Beautiful Lovelies!

While I don't watch TV (aside from streamed Hockey games when my Winnipeg Jets are playing!), I have found myself lately watching short videos on the computer... usually, believe it or not, cooking shows. One of them is a woman who starts every segment with "Hello, my beautiful lovelies!" before she dives into a new recipe. 

There's some comfort in it, in that there's a distinct LACK of drama (life has enough of that these days!). 

The way she starts, however, is with a positivity that is genuine and inviting. The videos do not edit out when an egg shell falls in a bowl, or a cake fails to rise. She presents an authenticity as though the viewer were sitting in the same kitchen, chatting casually as friends, not worrying about the imperfections in cooking (or life!)

It's a bit of a break from the reality of masks and protocols, of Advent planning and press-conference-scanning. 

It's an invitation to be imperfect, to be okay with not always being okay, and to be embracing the beauty in others. 

For in a time of fear and stress, who wouldn't benefit from a kind greeting and genuine compliment? Who wouldn't enjoy a friends' relaxed laughter, and a fun try-something-new adventure?

I think the point of this is: we can make that happen. We can choose how to be present to each other. (I'm not suggesting that we go for an artificially happy-happy space; rather to be open to the movement of the Spirit as God puts the right people in our paths. 

We have the ability to interact with one another as we are: beloved of Christ, siblings in the Lord. Beautiful, lovely, chosen. 

Imagine how our days will be if we start out that way.

Hello, my beautiful lovelies!!

The Sense of God

I sat by a campfire this week. I felt my toes and fingers get cold while my face was hot, as my eyes stung in the smoke and I coughed a little, and I knew that my clothes and hair would have that distinctive aroma until washed.

And I smiled! Because for me, woodsmoke is a happy smell - a campfire is a full-sensory experience that also serves to transport me to a hundred other times and places... happy memories come flooding back - of great friends and terrific adventures, of silly songs and creatively cooked meals, of life-long connection and the chance to just BE.

Our senses do that for us; they carry us to one another in ways that we can hardly explain, linking our hearts and minds to one another. For some, an aroma of fresh cookies baking will bring a heart a grandmother's teachings... for others, the feeling of paddling a canoe will focus attention on the epic adventure with friends that still makes them laugh... for others, it's the taste of some comfort food from college days to recall the formative relationships.

For centuries, the church has been a place of sensory immersion: the scent of wood and incense... the feel of the pew where our derrieres are accustomed to being... the perfect acoustics reverberating the musical heartbeat of the building... the taste of the wafer and wine to connect us in the foretaste of the Kingdom...

It's no wonder that church seems less churchy in these COVID-times. Our whole bodies, which for years were nourished in ways we didn't even realise, are missing that. While those of us in the building are grateful for the opportunity to practice safety measures, our bodies aren't used to it yet: yet perhaps, having named it, we can start to see these precautions as the expression of faith that they are. We can re-learn that church has the aroma of protection through the viral-blocking mask... that the echoes from 2m-distanced-pews are angel's wings beating a new rhythm into our souls... that our empty mouths are inviting us to recognise spiritual hunger in new ways.

Perhaps we can use the new sensory revelations of church to explore new ways of worshiping with our bodies: and invite us into deeper relationship with the Divine who journeys with us through the memories we have, and the memories we have yet to make.

 

Just Keep Scrolling...

"Digital Age"
Some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
by Melinda Young Stuart Source: Flickr

It's been a busy time on social media lately... between some political things, and some health things, and general life, I've been seeing a lot more traffic across my feeds, and from all generations. I'm not the type to doomscroll (continually take in bad news) or to gleefresh (regularly refresh your feed looking for happy things) - so I'm not always on social media. But the past few weeks folks seem a little more prolific with their commentary!

Here's the challenge: it ain't all good. By a long shot, in fact. There seems to be a trend of taking our frustrations and anger and lack of control out on... our keyboards. Decreasing are the quantity and quality of conversational dialogue and discourse; increasing are the intensity of personal attacks, meanness, hurtful memes... even something as simple as a pet food advert has inspired hundreds of comments both on and off (and WAY off!) topic, from tips to rage. It's weird!

Alas. I'll Thump out a wise lesson from a big footed cutie in a deer movie... "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." and pair that with Jorge Luis Borges: “Don't talk unless you can improve the silence.”

I am not suggesting that we avoid conversation and discourse - quite the opposite, actually! I would love to see a time when we are more intentional about our interactions with one another, in person and online. To appreciate that silence can be a response sometimes, and that speaking truth in love is better than blurting out an emotion-laden first thought. Imagine a time when we can disagree about ideas but still respect one another... when we can come together over topics and find ways to collaborate with our unique perspectives... when we see each other not as competition but as companions in the opportunity to share our God-given gifts. Imagine if we chose to BE community, open our hearts to others' experiences, to open our ears to others' ideas, to open our souls to others' presence. Imagine if we could create a safe space for true communication, based on mutual respect and understanding.

It's not that hard, really: if we spend some time reflecting on what we want to say and why, and then find the right place for it. It means we don't presume to have all the answers ourselves, we don't get sucked into the negativity vortex. It means we come together with the people that God has put in our path that day, and be the best version of ourselves that we can be, even if that means we don't comment on every post. Sometimes, it's good to just keep scrolling... for the love of God. 

Kindness Means Connection

I've been enjoying campfires here on vacation, and the other day a neighbour offered firewood if I needed. How kind, I thought! 

We've all seen the now-ubiquitous Jennifer Dukes Lee quote - "in a world where you can be anything, be kind!"

It's good advice beyond the coffee mug or social media meme, should we choose to go deeper. Because it reminds us that we, as a society and as individuals, don't always choose that route. 

But... We can. 

We can, when we see a divisive post, scroll past it without adding snarky comments. 

We can, when we feel wronged, seek reconciliation instead of revenge.

We can, even in the midst of our political and ideological differences, choose to discourse on issues rather than fire off personal spiteful attacks. 

We can, when we see a need in our community, try to find a way to meet it. 

Ah... But there's the catch! 'when we see a need' - this suggests that we look beyond ourselves, beyond our perceptions, beyond our understanding. It indicates a desire to connect, to engage, to be open. 

There's a vulnerability to extending kindness: it may not be wanted, or what we consider to be our offering may not be appropriate to the recipient. 

But for us to be kind is not just an outward act; it is an inward one as well. It invites us to move beyond our own thoughts, and desires, and individualism, into an intentional connection... Regardless of whether we know them or like them or agree with them. For if all we see are differences, that's all we will continue to experience; and as our hearts harden the opportunity for kindness decreases. But when we open our eyes to the world around us, and see it all as a manifestation of God's grace, our hearts can open, and a little bit more love will flow out. And we can remember that whoever is in our midst is a person loved by God (as much as we are).

Matthew 7.12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Let's be kind to one another, for the love of God. 

Do Not Be Afraid

In the Bible, there are 365 invitations to not be afraid. "Fear not!" and "Do not be afraid!" 

Yet, fear is real. It happens. And we seem to enjoy it... From Halloween haunted houses to horror films to thriller novels ... there is an industry of fear, to keep our pulses racing.

And aside from those adrenaline-raising earthly experiences, there are other realities. Sure, we can name our individual  fears: snakes, for me, or for some the ghoulies and night-bumping unknowns of the traditional Scottish prayer pictured here. 

Society has fears, too: COVID-19 is scary, as is threat of conflict or financial collapse or ... The list continues.

And in each of these fears, we are invited to reflect that they are earthly. They are worldly. And they are (humanly so!) instinctive. Fear is a biological response, one that can keep us healthy. Fear can be a very good and helpful thing (in moderation!)

So where does the biblical mandate fit in to that? Well, if we look at the context of these... In each time, there's a reason (either present or rapidly approaching!) for fear. Ethereal other-worldly messengers popping in to this realm usually signify significt change... Danger is at hand... The biological desire for health and safety is about to be threatened... 

And yet: do not be afraid. 

Notice, it never says "be fearless!" nor "nothing to worry about!". Rather, it gives a moment for intentional reflection and introspection, a time for careful analysis of the circumstance, an opportunity to prepare a response instead of a reaction. 

And, a reminder of the covenental commitment that whatever is about to happen, we will not face it alone: for God is with us. 

So: whatever may come at us on earth, we have God giving us the spiritual grace to pause and pray, to prepare our souls for whatever may come, and to rest in the sustaining peace of Christ. 

So truly, we ought not be afraid. 

Coffee, Oatmeal, and Prayer

            I tend to start my days with coffee. This surprises no one who's met me - I've got coffee jokes and memes on social media, and anyone who visits the office sees the carafe and smells that blissful aroma of ethically sourced, locally roasted, freshly ground beans. It's more than just a caffeine hit; it's a psychological comfort.

            It's not unlike my typical breakfast of oatmeal. I jazz up my oats with variations of nuts and seeds and fruit, but the base remains the same. Sustaining, healthy, and oh-so-tasty, oatmeal is such a regular component of my day that when I choose other options, the day can feel disjointed somehow.

            These two daily starters help to give structure to my day, but when I'm reflecting at night about the best parts of my day- I don't tend to think about them. I would seldom consider my cup of coffee to be particularly edifying; the oatmeal is unlikely to be the most satisfying part of my day.

            Yet, they are fairly standard in my routine, and without them the day feels incomplete.

            For me, prayer can be like that. It is spiritually nourishing, it is a practice that is predictable, it is foundational to my day. While a recent study on spiritual wellness indicated that prayer is not rated high on the life satisfaction scale, I believe that it is necessary for a well-balanced and healthy life. Even in prayer dry-spells, it continues to comfort; even when hastily practiced it provides benefit, even when it feels routine it consistently supports.

            Prayer, like oatmeal and coffee (and even moreso!), is sustaining beyond the ordinary. 

Nourishing Body and Soul

One large box of yumminess!

Nourish Your Roots is a fantastic fundraiser; boxes of fresh produce are pre-ordered and provided by local farms, and proceeds go to local schools. It's fantastic as a program, supporting school food programs and local farmers, and it's yummy, food I would be buying anyway. Talk about nourishing!

This year I ordered 2 boxes - and ended up with 4, as through a miscommunication, both my friend and I picked up my 2 boxes.

Whoops!

It was simple enough to rectify: I called through to Nourish and explained the situation, we all had a good laugh, and I paid for the other 2 boxes.

It was so easy - a simple communication, and a desire to make things right, and voila! I have more vegetables than planned. So: time to adjust the plans!

My kitchen has, for the past 10 days, smelled *heavenly*, as I have cooked and preserved and canned... the potatoes are stored, the apples sauced, the pears buttered, the red peppers roasted (for soup and in a creamy goat-cheesey sauce). The soup pot has been simmering, the dehydrated humming, the freezer is full, and my recipe file is expanding.

And, throughout the winter, I'll be able to pull out tasty treats and meals from the freezer and pantry, and I will be nourished! And as I am doing all this food prep, it is also nourishing me - in an emotional way, as the kitchen is a happy place.

It's also nourishing to my heart to know that the food is local, the economy benefits, and that my local schools will receive the benefits.

We have choices we can make: and especially in COVID time I find we're choosing to focus a bit closer to home, a bit closer to the earth, a bit closer to each other... and, I expect, a bit closer to God.

How wonderful to engage in God's creation in this part of the world, in such a nourishing and meaningful way!

*Nourish Boxes are still available at https://www.nourishns.ca/nourish-your-roots

Who Inspires You?

        I am so blessed to have amazing friends - near and far - who continue to inspire me day after day. These are formidable people who make my life better, who find ways to reach out to their communities and make the world a better place.

         One of these friends makes an effort to extend grace whenever she can, realising that a little bit of positivity can go a long way - and usually the folks we don't feel like extending grace to are the ones who need it the most.

         One will send an occasional text saying "I appreciate you - I'm glad you're in my life."

         One makes sure to really listen to the people he's with; knowing that a simple "how are you" without the commitment to engage in conversation isn't fair.

         One is intentional about eye contact in conversation.

         One will always express "you're welcome" to a "thank you".

         One mails amusing cards, for no occasion, because the post shouldn't just be bills and flyers.

...You get the idea. These aren't the types of things that will be recorded in the history books, but they are the types of things that make my story better. And they inspire me to be better: a better friend, neighbour, Christian, human! And for them, I am grateful!

         This Thanksgiving weekend, who are you grateful for in your life? Who inspires you to be the best version of yourself? Who really sees you, and delights in that connection? And how can you honour their gifts to you?

    

Balancing St. Francis

     Today is the feast of St. Francis, and so many places are finding ways to do animal blessings and blessing of pets! The Anglican and Lutheran parishes here in Lunenburg will share an online prayer and blessing service, with the video being a compilation of pets shared by members of the parishes. It's fun!

    Francis, however, was about a lot more than just pets. He respected the animals, of course, as part of the natural world. He was a man of balance, recognising the interconnection of species as a Divine network that was gifted to the planet. His prayers and writings celebrate the celestial bodies, the earthly flora and fauna, the lifecycles that collectively offer ceaseless praise.

    The gift of Francis' writings was not just that we have a convenient saint of the day for the Season of Creation and Love-Your-Pets festivities, but that we are called to a deeper understanding of where we are and how we are: we are here as a part of the whole. We are blessed, as self-reflective creatures, to appreciate and enjoy the world around us: to be awed by a bird, and inspired by a sunset, and intrigued by a spider's web... 

    Francis invites us to be intentional about how we think of ourselves within this earthly context. He anthropomorphised the natural world to encourage us to have a more personal and respectful relationship with the environment. He elevated the 'status' of the inanimate, as equal to us, so that we would realise the beauty of God's intricate plans. He highlights the lives of animals, sentient beings like us, so we would not perceive ourselves as more special or loved by the Creator. In all things, Francis shows us the presence of the Divine - it's right there!... and there, and there... it is, truly, in all things. 

    Let's celebrate St. Francis today by truly appreciating - and caring for - the world around us. Let's bless the animals... and the trees, and sunsets, and hummingbirds, and rocks, and.....

Questions for Connections

One of the clergy groups I belong to has a weekly practice of asking questions - the Friday Five, it's called. 

Someone starts a thread, inviting reflections on a theme - they can be fun and spontaneous (hobbies, animals); practical (recipes or theological resources), they can be share-able (liturgical tips or community development ideas)

In all of them, as clergy respond, we are sharing more than just the basics: because we are being intentional about going deeper into the topic at hand. A Friday Five on food, for example, can lead beyond recipes and go-to snacks, into memories and meanings. The group is a safe space for connecting with a wider audience about the gifts we've been given and the interests in our hearts.

Often, a basic question can be quite revealing - when we're willing to answer honestly with ourselves, and if we feel comfortable sharing with the questioner. There's a trust involved, and respected, and appreciated: there's no judgement when peoples' responses are different - they're self-sharing, not assessments. In fact, these questions and engagements often help to build community, and establish or strengthen friendships. 

So I wonder what would happen if we were all willing to go deeper - to ask the questions, to truly listen to the answers! To be grateful for the sharing, and to be intentional with the time spent. The engagement over questions and answers can be prepared inquiries or casual coffee-chat; the important thing is that they are a care-full connection with a brother or sister in Christ.

So, a quick five for you to ponder...

Who would you want to have a Q&A session with?
What would you ask them?
What would you want them to ask you?
What's the best question you've ever been asked (and what made it the best)?
What questions do you have about the Bible/faith/church?

Tasting the Memory

            My Grandma made the *best* lemon meringue pie. She always made it from the package in the blue box, and added extra lemon juice. A LOT of extra lemon juice. I loved it! The crust wasn't my thing, and the meringue didn't excite me - but oh that lemon.

            And even though she told me her secret of the extra lemon, and my practice to avoid pre-made boxed kits, every once in a while I make that lemon dessert. I can never quite make it taste the same way, however - because the flavour I'm going for is my memory. It's a trip to a different time and place, with happy remembrances and heart-warming emotions.

            I still make that lemon pie, though (crustless now!), from the box, and try to re-create what my grandma did so effortlessly. And while I know it will never taste the same, it's close enough to bring a smile to my face (when not puckering from the lemon!)

            Our parish celebrated the Eucharist last Sunday, for the first time since lockdown in March. It was the same bread, but no wine... we were sitting apart... I was covered in PPE... when we did eat the bread it tasted like the requisite hand sanitizer. But... it was the bread! It was communion! Wasn't it?

            Well, yes. Definitely. The real presence of Christ was there. But... for us, we were transported back to a different time and place, where that bread had a different feel to it. A time when we could share hugs and handshakes... where we didn't all have facemasks... where our trip to the altar was side by side, not 2m apart.

            It was the same - but different. And as we journey forward, I expect it will continue to feel that way - no matter what we do to try to recreate the past, we're living in the context of the present.

            I also suspect that the Apostles felt the same way, after the crucifixion and Resurrection. Even when they gathered to break bread, remembering (as Jesus had instructed in that Upper Room), it was different. They had changed, the world had changed, but they were still committed to the emotion and connection to keeping the memory alive. So even though it's different - it's the same.

            Whether lemon pie, or Eucharist, or whatever else in your world reminds you of comfort and love and grace - there will be times when they just don't taste the same. I think we are invited to honour the memory, however: letting the memory of perfect love be a blessing to us now, and a call for us to continue in the sharing of memories. They'll be different; but when in love they'll be the same.

 

Have to / Get to

"to do list" by Marco Verch CC BY 2.0. Source: Flickr .

In a recent conversation, a friend and I were going over our plans for the day. We each had a 'to-do' list of tasks ahead of us... and we decided to be intentional about one minor change.

Rather than view the items on the list as a "have to" - as in, I have to do laundry, I have to prep for tomorrow, etc. - we decided to see them as "get to"s - as in, I get to make dinner. I get to walk the dogs.

It's a subtle nuance - the task itself still needs doing.  But the shift happens internally... away from an onerous task to an opportunity for gratitude and engagement.
I get to make dinner, and I have abundant healthy food choices in my fully operational kitchen. Some ingredients came from a local store I can afford, others from the market where I can chat with the farmers. Thanks be to God!

I get to walk the dogs - taking them to a beautiful and safe roadway, where we can all get some exercise and fresh air, say hello to other dog walkers, and simply enjoy the day. And any time with dogs is good time! Thanks be to God!

You get the idea - with anything we do, we can choose how we will engage it. Sure, there are things we don't enjoy doing (dusting, for example, does not excite me). But the attitude we carry to those tasks will influence how we see those tasks - and thus how we see our day.

So whatever tasks are on our lists - housework to homework to faithwork to whatever - I hope we are at least neutral in the 'getting' to do them, so that our days never feel burdened.  

Now... and Not Yet

            I went blueberry picking this week; many came home (and there was, I admit, much sampling in the fields!) These cultivated bushes are beautiful with huge, sweet, orbs of delight. As I walked along, I noted that some bushes are clearly already picked of the first crop, others are bursting with blue bliss, and most - even in the individual berry bunches - are somewhere in between.

            Ripe berries are a "now and not yet" experience. Normally, we enter into the "now and not yet" conversation in Advent (ironically with blue!) but I reflected that we seem to be at a time where we feel...  somewhere in-between. With the concerns of COVID resurgence, with planning of schooling, even with our public worship being in-building and not-in-building...

            It's different, to say the least. It's also the same; because when we reflect, we are always - always! - at some stage of now-and-not-yet. Life is seldom quantifiable, aside from variables like weight, height, etc. But for the things that give our lives purpose, it wavers.

            Such things are life-giving - praying, reading the scriptures, loving, serving others, seeking God... and we do them, they fit into the now. But because we can always do more... more often, more fully, more deeply, more...*whatever*ly - we are also not yet.

            The good news, in this now and not yet stage, is that we're never done. The prayer never ceases, the reading re-engages, the love never ends, the service continues, the seeking always inspires. And they continue to change for us, as we grow and develop.

            So, much like blueberries in season, we are now and not yet... in some ways, ready to nourish; in other ways, not quite there yet.

            How beautiful it is, then, to be a work in progress - a spiritual fruit that is demonstrably developing, ripening, readying: how lovely to be both now, and not yet, in our journeys.

The Nose Knows

            Part of the joy of sharing my life with dogs is the daily 'smell walk'. While extensive sniffing is a part of *every* walk, our morning walks are dominated by the olfactory senses.

            Dogs need this; the scent walk helps activate their brains while calming their nerves, it enhances their time and their engagement with the world, and helps them communicate. The nose knows; it's a complex world!

            So while you and I may not be able to tell the difference between *this* patch of grass and *that* one, the dogs can.

            Our daily smell walk means a lot to them - but it also means a lot to me. In allowing the noses to guide our direction and speed (with overarching human control, obviously!), they reap the benefits of being fully present. And so do I!

            For on these walks, I can spend more time being mindful of my surroundings. I can engage my primary senses of sound and sight, and I can enter into a reflective and introspective space. I pray, I think, I breathe deeply. I try to be open to whatever God is revealing to me in the moment, so that the rest of my day I tend to be (like the dogs) calmer, more engaged, more communicative, etc.

            For the dogs, the nose knows - and the world is better for the time to sniff it out. For me, the spirit knows best - and my world is better for its time and space to dwell in the presence of God.  

What is #ThursdaysInBlack ?

In place of my normal blog this week, I want to highlight the work of Ecumenical Women at the United Nations (EW), especially in our fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

It is a privilege and honour for me to work with such powerful proponents for justice.

Please view our video to learn more about the work of EW, and the Thursdays In Black campaign: 

Change: from new normal to new reality

I think the folks who track word usage are going to discover a huge uptick for the word "normal" in 2020.

For even though we feel that nothing is normal anymore, we have been talking about it quite a bit.

We've even developed the phrase "the new normal" - as though we as a culture are going to quickly adapt to a new standard. We know better - we are (generally) still lamenting that we have lost our pre-COVID "normal".

So I've been using a different phrase: the new reality. It means the same thing - what a COVID-era 'typical state or condition' is. But it speaks to our subconsciences of a difference. And that matters: for when we frame something new as being different, we tend to be less limited in our understanding, based on past experience. Thus, we tend to be less resistant to embracing the change.

So we have a new reality - a new 'usual' for how we live - we wear masks, we maintain our 2m distance, we don't have as many hugs or events. And this will become the norm, as our new reality begins to feel normative.

In the church, many people are feeling the disconnect - the church that has been stable throughout our lives, now is... well, different. It sounds different, it feels different - and the church is known for not really liking "different". But we also know that unless we release what has been, we will not be open to what is, and what is coming.

I think it's helpful for us to realise that the church has always dealt with changes, however, and even as this change has been unexpected and fast, the church remains the constant.

For whatever is taking place, and we are practicing the previous normal alongside the new reality: we are praying; we are praising; we are listening to God's Word; we are sharing; we are reaching out to the community; we are seeking justice; we are advocating for peace; we are the voice of the oppressed; we are the followers of Jesus who journey in faith.

We are the church - the church of yesterday, the church of COVID, the church of tomorrow.

The church, therefore, is serving - as it always has - as a timeless constant in a world of change. We have the great privilege to carry forth a bold new reality of God's loving revelation - and to make that grace normal to all who will receive it.

 

Isa 43.19 "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Aren't We Lucky?

This week I was privileged to hear the eulogy for a beloved and faithful woman who was known for asking "aren't we lucky?"

And she was, as I understand, possibly the luckiest person in the world.

This is not to say she won the lottery every day, or confused blessing with good fortune - it was entirely due to her attitude. For she saw everything as an opportunity to recognise gratitude, and to express thankfulness.

A pretty sunset - "aren't we lucky?"

Tasty baked beans and toast for dinner - "aren't we lucky?"

A phone call from a loved one who lived far away - "aren't we lucky?"

She lived to seek out what was good; and this is a trait she shared with her family, her friends, and everyone who met her. In remembering her, everyone agreed that they were lucky to have had her in their lives, regardless of which capacity.

In a time when we can feel out of sorts - it's summer, but we're still in State of Emergency; we feel safe but we're still restricted for health (and rightly so!), we know that our previous (false) sense of security is gone (but still miss our past ignorance), and the future is full of economic, social, and physical uncertainty. Egads. It's easy to focus on the negatives - on what we miss, and how we're inconvenienced, and what we don't like, and how fear is real...

Yet... when we take a pause, and look around, we can see so much to be thankful for. There's so much good in the world that is literally surrounding us - a sunny day, a friend sharing garden vegetables, a great conversation with friends, a meaningful time of prayer...

Even those things which may be discouraging can be an opportunity to be grateful... a destroyed chew toy means my rescue pup knows she is safe and loved... the quarantine weight gain means I have an overabundance of food... travel restrictions means I can focus my adventures on what my home locale has to offer... a closed church building invites creative re-imagining of being the church...

Wow... aren't we lucky?

Scales of Relationship

"Nobody Will Notice"
CC-BY2.0 by PebblePicJay. Source: Flickr

            This week, I bought a bathroom scale.

            Not exactly living my life on the wild side, I know! But it's something that I needed, and something that I use... I'm aware that the "Quarantine 15" weight gain is real, and I know that I generally do better at tracking my weight if I can consistently and accurately track my weight. So: a scale.

            Now, for me, the numbers it will show me in the morning are not my worth - they are my weight. They'll fluctuate from time to time, but they will do one thing consistently: numerically articulate my relationship with gravity. These numbers will then help inform my decisions around food and exercise, and I'll be able to accurately keep an eye on trends in my lifestyle and health habits.

            Imagine if all our relationships were so easily tracked? If we could discern quite easily if we were staying the course, or if things were moving either to decline or excess? And thus, to consider how we might want to respond?

            Imagine if our relationships could be easily tracked... I think it's possible! When we are intentional about things, we can consider where we are, and where we want to be; what goals are realistic and what ones we just don't want to move towards. We can make choices based on intentional decisions that are made.

            So with our interpersonal relationships, we can consider: have I extended kindness, and have I received it? Is there open communication? Is there regular communication? How do we show love through our words, and actions? What markers are there that let us know we are appreciated?

            Our relationships can have tangible markers (how often do we speak?) and intangible ones (when did I last feel respected?); and they will ebb and flow. But by understanding what markers are important to us, and where our limits lie, we can have a better understanding of our overall relationship - and how/when/where we may want to work on it.

            Extrapolating that, then, to our spiritual journey: how is our relationship with God? Are we healthy? Are we effectively communicating, engaging, and valuing? What markers do we need, and how do we track them?

            Our relationships say a lot about us... and deserve regular attention if they are to stay healthy. So whether we're measuring for our physical health, or our emotional and spiritual health, keeping track can be a good and balancing thing.