This has been a hard season in my life for a number of reasons. I am weary and worn. Today, out of the blue a parishioner dropped by with a gift, a book by Madeline L’Engle. Her lovely card suggested I read the italicized paragraph on the first page of the forward. I did so and it is amazing how these simple words from a beloved author restored me and readied me for the work of this day.
“What I believe is so magnificent, so glorious, that it is beyond finite comprehension. To believe that the universe was created by a purposeful, benign Creator is one thing. To believe that this Creator took on human vesture, accepted death and mortality, was tempted, betrayed, broken, and all for love of us, defies reason. It is so wild that it terrifies some Christians who try to dogmatize their fear by lashing out at other Christians, because tidy Christianity with all answers given is easier than one which reaches out to the wild wonder of God’s love, a love we don’t even have to earn.”
I am reminded that no matter how much there is, how hard it has been, how depleted I feel I am held in the wild wonder of God’s love. I am part of something magnificent and glorious, expressed in the day to day drama and pressures of the world. After reading these words I can breathe again, knowing that hard days don’t mean punishment, that I don’t have to get everything right, that sometimes just being is enough.
My faith is what keeps me afloat. Is what fills me with peace when life is chaotic. Returning to the fact that every person I encounter is loved just like I am loved allows me to be compassionate and forgiving. The hard work in this season is in turning to my faith, continuing to explore this incomprehensible, unreasonable love and express it where ever I can. I am so thankful that this is work we do in community. The gatherings we have, the check-ins we do, the books we share, the kind words and challenges we exchange as a community of faith are what keep faith alive.
I am so fortunate to float in this place with these people at this time.
-Eilidh
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