It is always for real – even in the mundane and the busyness of doing.
The truth of this utterance of Jesus was, once again, made real for me on Tuesday evening. A group of 15 or so people gathered at the church to complete the task of preparing for the Harvest Festival scheduled for the next evening. Seated in chairs around bags of potatoes and garbage cans; standing at a table with mounds of carrots and fancy cutters; or putting up tables and seating places for those who would come to the feast – whatever the task, there was a buzz of conversation, mixed with moments of frivolity and fun. Between the laughter and the task of doing there was a spirit of care and concern. One minute, talk of moose hunting and the next, an update on the health of a family member. Concern was expressed about the situation in Israel and Palestine and questions posed about justice and right relationships. There were stories that brought an ache to the heart and others that resulted in gales of laughter.
As I sat in the midst of this I felt the presence of the Holy and could see the face of Jesus reflected in those around me. This, I thought, is what church is about – building community, supporting one another, creating a space of care and concern, hard work made light by so many hands and sharing the journey that is always marked with a mixture of joy and sorrow.
My prayer is that we might always take the time to be Jesus for one another, even in the mundane and the busyness of doing. May we be open to spirit as it weaves among us and may the presence of the Holy fill our lives with love.
Blessings
Valerie
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