Freedom?

We’re well into election season here, and a few days ago I happened to be at home when someone came canvassing. I recognise that I’m a political animal; a long-ago earned degree in Political Science set me up well for this time of governmental change.

The person started off with a question that I recognised had the intention to be evocative, controversial, a definitive conversation starter. The loaded question earnestly asked was: “Do you agree that your government should support your freedom?”

I was keen for a political discourse; but he wasn’t prepared for my response: I asked him how he/his candidate/his party was defining ‘freedom’. He wasn't able to; and even when I offered some prompts (Religious? Personal? Military?) and asked how each of those fit in to the question, and by extension the political platform, he wasn’t able to make those connections. (Instead I was encouraged to make an appointment with the candidate directly so I could ask those questions.)

The words we use can have different meaning, and different connotation, depending on our experience and worldview, and the present context. And these contexts are regularly evolving, growing, changing. Life happens!

Overall, freedom is being released from something that constrains us. While there’s a broad way to apply that definition to our lives, as people of faith we can seek the freedom that is promised to us by God. It’s not a freedom that can be quantified by earthly standards, for it brings us beyond earthly restraints. When we are free, we can understand what it means to be in the world but not of the world.

So as I have had a few moments to ponder what it means to be free, I understand that my true freedom is granted by God, through the promises made to us all in Jesus the Christ. We are free to shed the earthly cords that bind, and to dwell in the liberation of divine love and walk in the light of the Lord.

As Simeon proclaimed that day in the Temple: (Luke 2:29-32)
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people.

Signs and Lattes

Last Monday, on Thanksgiving, I made myself a latte.

It’s not uncommon, but it’s also not common. It differs enough from my day-to-day pour-over brewing in many ways: the grind, the machine, even the vessel of choice (while I have my preferred morning coffee mug rotation, lattes go into a ceramic latte bowl specific to the purpose.)

It is a little sign to myself of how I am beginning the day. These little variances communicate – even just to myself – the intended pattern: a latte in the bowl indicates a relaxed time in the morning. Yes, I had a to-do list, and yes it was a productive day; but starting with a different mindset – all from a latte.

We regularly communicate such small signs to our families and friends, and colleagues and strangers; often without realising it. My dogs know that when I put on my outdoor shoes, a walk is imminent; but when I pick up my purse and car keys that I am heading out (usually without them!)

So much of our communication is non-verbal, which means that little signs can make a big difference in how others will see and perceive us. As Christians, we are given the opportunity to be careful about how we present who we are. For example, wearing a cross but gossiping gives a mixed message. The myriad of ways that we live our faith (responding to the vulnerable with dignity, challenging unjust systems, speaking the truth in love, etc.) can show the world who (and whose) we are.

Jesus spoke often of paying attention to the signs (see Matthew 24); he also demonstrated signs. Signs of mercy and grace, of community-building and of self-care, of prayerful response to the glory of God in our midst. May we all be attentive to the signs of divine grace and love that are continually flowing upon us!

Seeds and Hope

I’ve been writing a lot about my garden lately – a timely topic as we celebrate Thanksgiving weekend!

Much of what I planted last spring didn’t quite take off the way I had intended – or hoped! I have tried to leave things growing as long as possible, yet with the frosty temperatures coming this weekend, most of it is now in.

My squashes came in today let me just acknowledge how thankful I am that I am not relying on this crop to feed me through the winter!

Three pathetically small buttercup squashes were all that came in this fall. One was too tiny to have any flesh, the other two offered a total yield of half a cup (tasty, but tiny).

However; they also provided seeds for next year’s crop. Even the itty-bitty-quarter-sized squash had some viable seeds. So, one hopes for a different outcome next year!

The seeds are little pods of hope; they are a comfort for the future.

In a time of uncertainty in the world, when civility seems a lost art, when fear-mongering seems to be the solitary political platform, when conflicts are affecting thousands of people, when disasters are devastating communities… it is easy to sink into darkness, that place of sadness, apathy, or grief.

Yet the seeds prevail. And I believe that there are seeds of goodness that transcend the gardens; in our lives, in our relationships, in our actions, in our imaginations…

The seeds are there, even in the tiniest or darkest of places. I believe they are worth seeking out, and saving, and planting: so that they may grow.

And when the seeds of hope start growing, they start nourishing us – and perhaps this is how we will overcome the darkness that encroaches in the world.

Francis, Animals, and Connecting

October 4th marks the (liturgical) memorial of Francis of Assisi, sometimes called “the poor one of Christ”. Despite a wealthy family, he is noted for his voluntary poverty after a powerful conversion experience at age 20. He helped establish the Order of the Lesser Brethren (colloquially called Franciscans) in 1209 and a second order, the Poor Clares, with Clare of Assisi in 1212.

Committed to a life of simplicity and compassion, Francis came to understand God’s glory revealed in all of the natural order, and celebrated the gift of all creatures.

Some 8 centuries later, it is the connection with animals that has come to leave a mark on our society, with many faith communities marking a “Blessing of the Animals”: many focus simply on the pets that re brought in by congregants, others also include acknowledgement of the other animals active in our lives.

The Animal Blessing services also provide for us a bridge; in our modern world, it is a chance for us to welcome folks into a community for a time of prayer and connection. Animal lovers who do not have other connections to the church can feel at home bringing their beloved furry/feathered/finned critters to a time of joy and thanksgiving.

Imagine if every week our regular offering of praise and worship were to be so welcoming and encompassing with the broader community around us. How might we engage folks on non-animal Sundays? In what ways do we maintain connection each day?

Hopefully we might be as humble as Francis as we mold this animal ceremony around his feast day, and find new ways to connect with all those God puts in our path.