Gathering as community ~ we are able to connect with one another, feel love and inclusion, and be renewed for wherever the journey takes us.
It is a beautiful, hot day. The tide is out leaving a hot sandy beach. Friends and family gather from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador to celebrate with our daughter, Sarah and her partner, Chris. We have come to this spot that, for our family, is a place of safety, security, grounding, fellowship, fun and is holy ground.
We walk with Sarah into the water where Chris is waiting. There we witness an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual truth – love that is patient, kind and unconditional
Food, music, dancing, campfires, laughter and conversations take us through the evening into the wee hours of the morning. Old friendships have been rekindled and new ones forged until we are all just family.
Today, as I sit at my desk, it all feels like a distant memory but the presence of spirit weaves and I know the sacredness of this time will continue to nourish the journey well into the future. As I reflect on this I am reminded of the Wedding Feast at Cana. This story is known most as the first miracle of Jesus as remembered by the author of the gospel of John. It is not the miracle that speaks to me today though. It is the image of Jesus gathered with family and friends and the presence of spirit in the midst of that.
As I read it I see an experience of connectedness and joy that is the dream that Jesus embraces. I see a time of great laughter and grounding that would nourish them as they head out into the unknown.
An Important Part of Our Journey
Gathering as community, whether it be for a wedding or at an opening picnic or around a campfire, just because, is an important part of the journey.
In these places we are able to connect with one another, feel love and inclusion, and be renewed for wherever the journey takes us. As we begin another year we have many such gatherings planned as we try to reconnect and revision our ministry and mission. May our times be filled with laughter and our hearts with love.
Blessings
Valerie
Enjoy the journey