Sometimes the lesson is dramatic
and sometimes it is far more subtle
This last Sunday in worship, I shared an invitation to complete some “homework.” Shaped by the scripture of Saul encountering a light and Ananias as teachers, the assignment was to:
Begin a day in prayer, asking for the humility and vision to receive someone as your teacher today.
Observe what happens throughout the day.
That evening, observe what you have seen and known and learned.
Did you happen to accept the invitation? If so, what happened?
I set out to address the homework on Monday and something happened.
I went to pick up the kid early from school for a dentist appointment and entered into conversation with another parent in the school office. She drives 45 minutes to work each day and was there to help her grandchild through a loss in the family. This is what commitment looks like.
While I was in the waiting room at the dentist’s office, I entered into conversation with an older gentleman. He had just witnessed the exchange between me and the kid after the dental hygienist asked me if I wanted to follow (the invitation from the hygienist was sincere; the facial expression of the kid was certain). As the door closed and I was still in the waiting room. Having observed a smile of recognition on his face, I asked him if he had children. He shared the good news of a soon-to-arrive grandchild (number 20!). I asked if he had any parental advice to share. The hygienist entered the room and invited him back for his appointment. He stood up and made his way to the door and said, “Stay involved.” This is what sharing wisdom looks like.
That afternoon, a young man came over with his family to purchase some farm equipment. None of the equipment worked as expected. But none of that could dissuade his excitement and enthusiasm to prepare for a homestead. This is what passion looks like - and how good it is to follow it as soon as we can.
And sometimes the lesson is learned as we gather
made plain in small encounters and long relationships
Richard Rohr has said it well that anyone and anything (everyone and everything) can be your teacher. The world is not short on wisdom and inspiration. However, it does not simply enter us by osmosis or inhalation. Something more is required: attention, humility, generosity of spirit, welcoming, allowing, reflection, etc…
As with Saul, all of this might be God’s way of crafting the instruments that we are to be a blessing in our homes and world. We might be expecting a flashing of light and heavenly voice - and we might receive it. But, I imagine that far more frequent is the gentle and even subtle learning from neighbors and acquaintances, loved ones, and the natural world.
What did you learn? What are you learning? What came from your experience of the homework?
May we offer our attention to the teachers before us. May we be refined for goodness.
Peace,
Rev. Chris McCreight
Manuscript to the sermon, “The Flashing Light and the Gentle Flame”
EARTH DAY!
“There are no unsacred places.
There are only sacred places, and desecrated places.”
~ Wendell Berry
How are you honoring Earth Day and cultivating a faithful stewardship of the earth and resources?
One way that we are doing this together is through the development of a native meadow on the south lawn. The Hiram Community Trust has generously funded our project to plant hundreds of native flora in the green space to benefit the soil, insects, birds, and wildlife (including us!).
Plant a tree. Turn off the lights and heat. Lay in the grass. Enjoy a vegetarian meal. Walk where you can. Let the grass grow longer. Adopt some sheep. Slow down the consumption. Install some solar panels. Advocate for healthy air, water, and soil and public lands. Take a hike. Stare at the clouds. Listen to the birdsong in daylight and the howl of coyotes by night. Love leads to proper service.
In Our Church and Community:
Sunday, April 26: Welcoming Rev. Joni Christian as our Guest Preacher
Rev. Chris will be away this coming Sunday to attend the wedding of a friend. We will be welcoming Joni Christian to participate in worship and preach. Joni is of the United Christian Church and will be sharing a word based on the scripture of Luke 6 - Love of Enemies.
We know of the command to do so, and we may often struggle to put this into action. What does love of an enemy look like? Is it passive, allowing one to continue to do us wrong and even harm? Or can it be to stop the harm? Can it be active in creating boundaries and transforming animosity and healing wounds?
Each relationship may request some different shape of love, and how good it can be to return to this scripture and seek wisdom and grace to put it into practice.
Come share in the goodness of a Sunday morning service together. Come and welcome and receive Rev. Joni Christian on this special Sunday.