Abundant and grace-filled life has been on full display for me in recent days. In the span of a week at the end of August I was in the Puget Sound area twice – once for a family funeral and once for a family wedding. At opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, both occasions were filled with family, love, and the powerfully tangible presence of God. Loss and celebration are both part of what it means to be human, and what allows us to experience those realities fully, deeply, and richly is the loving connection we share with those around us. We are not in this life alone. One of the remarkable ways in which we feel the touch of Sacred Presence is through the touch of human companions. I watched my cousin and his family face an unimaginable loss because they were surrounded by a loving community of family and friends. I watched my daughter shine with joy as she stepped into a new level of love and commitment with her beloved while they were surrounded by a loving community of family and friends. In both cases the presence of Spirit was palpable. Something extraordinary was happening right before our eyes. And the truth is that while it can be more obvious in the midst of special occasions like weddings and funerals, it really is possible to experience the touch of God’s presence in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary moments of our lives. It just requires that we practice paying attention. Maybe it’s something as simple as the smile of friend, or even a stranger. Maybe it happens in the midst of a moment of pain – a skinned knee or a skinned heart. Maybe it takes the form of a memory that brightens our day or troubles our sleep. In good times and in challenging times, we have the opportunity to avail ourselves of the presence of God and the loving support of family and friends. How will God show up in your life today?
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)
