Angel Networks aka Community

I attend an early morning weekly bible study at the church down the street.  By early I mean 6:05AM (come to think of it, I’ve never asked why 6:05 and not 6:00!)  I was invited to give it a try almost a year ago and have been rousing myself at that hour ever since.  As this is a Presbyterian church, I jokingly call myself their token Episcopalian!  They haven’t kicked me out yet!

The number of women on any given Thursday can vary from three or four up to a busy day of nine or ten.  It’s a fluid group, not everyone can attend each week, some appear once or twice; unable to make the commitment at this point in their lives and then there is a core of about six to eight ladies who rarely miss a week.  I never thought of these women as my community, but I have come to understand our weekly meetings are more than an educational bible study session.

Last week, the mother of one our regular attendees had a stroke.  We were given email updates on her condition, as the woman from our bible study group traveled to be by her mom’s side.  Soon, a food request came over the Internet, asking if any of us could take a dinner to our friend’s family.  Within a few hours, a meal was offered from every single person in our Thursday morning group.  As I read the exchange of messages, I was struck by the instant generosity, concern, and care these women showed for our friend and her family.  This little group of women, who stumble into the church library before the sun shows its face, hungry to learn more about the life of Jesus, have formed a community – of which I am a part.  And I am extremely grateful.

But, any of you who have read more than one of my posts, know my ponderings didn’t stop there!  I’ve been thinking about the many different communities that bless my life.   They are all around me, from my church, organized groups, friends of many years as well as those who are more recent.  Whether it is lunch with colleagues from my working days, dinner with a friend I see several times a week, or an email conversation with my college roommate whom I haven’t seen in almost thirty years, they all represent some form of community.

  Large or small, frequent or infrequent, they all have one thing in common:

“And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."  Matthew 18:20    The Message

I believe these various communities with which we are blessed are our “Angel Networks”.  God plants us in one another’s lives and then promises to be there in the midst.   It sure is a good reminder for me that we are not meant to make this journey solo!

Reflect on the communities in your life.  I bet the list is longer than you think! 

Thin Place Residue

My friend and I facilitate a monthly quiet morning called  “A Morning Apart”.  Folks gather in community for two hours listening to scripture using the ancient art of Lectio Divina, followed by time to be with God in the silence.  At the close of our gathering, there is a group reflection, where people briefly share their experience of the morning.

Last Saturday our theme was “The Thin Places:  Can you hold on to Holy Moments?”  You know, those times when you can feel the very Presence of something other than yourself, a God noticing!  No matter how large or small, you have been “touched by the whisper of God” (a quote from Noticing God by Richard Peace)  

The scripture passage was on the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-8.  Talk about Thin Places!  Can you just imagine going up the mountain with Jesus, seeing Elijah and Moses and hearing the voice of God?!    And Peter’s reaction, after the amazement and fear - let me build a dwelling for each of them so this moment can be contained!

You see, I get that response.  Please God, let me stay in the Holy Moment, don’t let it slip away; let me bask in the light of feeling You and having no doubts.  But of course, that doesn’t happen, just as Peter couldn’t save the Transfiguration by erecting a memorial.

During the quiet space, we often times offer the opportunity to explore a spiritual discipline, which somehow connects to the scripture.  Since my friend is the director of the church preschool, she suggested having a big tub of “goop”!  Unless you have a young child or grandchild, this concoction might elude you!  It’s a very simple mixture of water and cornstarch.  It’s fun digging in, trying to grasp the cornstarch, which has settled at the bottom of the tub.  And as hard as one tries, it is impossible to grip the substance for any length of time; it naturally slips between the fingers.

My “ah-ha moment” came during the closing reflection.  One of the participants shared of her experience with the goop, how she could not clutch it in her hand, but that it left a residue even as it dripped back into the tub.  Yes!  I thought, I’m not left alone!  I can’t enshrine the Thin Places, but they have etched a place in my soul, where I can reach back and relive the moments.

Let me close with a Celtic definition:

“Thin Places”…The Celts call this place,

Both seen and unseen,

Where the door between this world

And the next is cracked open for a moment

And the light is not all on the other side…Holy Space

 The Altar 

Unexpected but Manageable?

"Know that life just moved in like that storm the other day.... unexpected but manageable"

I wish I could take credit for that quote, but I can't.  It was the last sentence in a recent email from a special friend, whose family has been besieged by numerous health issues.  Just below that email, was a message from another dear friend with news of a possible long-term life battle in her family.

Unexpected but manageable?

As of this writing, I am on the other side of the pounding storms.  The deaths of loved ones, health difficulties, uncertain financial future, career decisions, relationship impasses, and even the "thorn in my side"; have taken a leave of absence - for the time being!  Hindsight allows me to reflect on those times from the vantage point of what it was that made them manageable.  God was always in the center!

Okay, not such an astounding statement right,  " God in the midst of the storm". How many ways has it been told and yet for me it bears repeating over and over again.  When the wind is blowing, the hail pelting, and lightning flashing, I don't feel very calm.  In fact it makes me downright uneasy and scared.  But when I look back with lenses cleared by rays of sunshine, I see the Angels.  They always come in a variety of guises; phone calls, emails, cards, hugs, walks, words spoken and unspoken, a shoulder to cry on  - and all from God.  He sends Himself through my family (which includes canine family of course), friends, acquaintances, and even strangers.  Here’s another noticing; when I’m in the middle of a storm, there’s always someone close by who is basking in good weather, ready to walk alongside and vice versa.  Isn’t that just like God?!

That’s how the unexpected is manageable for me, God’s Angels!

Have you seen any lately?

Been one lately?

Set Free

Not knowing how

Or understanding why

Only a sense

Of imminent change

A divinely led path

Through rugged terrain

Inward and downward

Traveling to the core

Traversing ravines

Resting on summits

Tiptoeing past safety

Trusting the Guide

An arduous journey

Moving toward center

Unmasking old fears

Claiming new truths

Only then does

Darkness become light

Inward turns outward

Downward reaches upward

Life no longer bound

By self-imposed prisons

Dreams are embraced

Possibilities envisioned

As fireworks burst

Into a starlit night

So does the traveler

After touching the core

Prepared to step out –

Lovingly…

Set Free

October 1, 2012

Recognizing Gifts - Of Those Closest To Us

Before I begin with my meandering thoughts, I must make two disclaimers.

1.  In no way is the biblical reference meant personally. ( REALLY!)

2.  If you talk to Todd soon, no need to tell him he was the subject of my blog. (REALLY!)

Last Friday, the Space Shuttle Endeavor made its way home to Los Angeles.  It was quite an exciting day around here.  All the TV stations were carrying Endeavor’s progress live, as it headed down the coast from San Francisco and made passes over strategic Southland locations.  One of those, JPL, is right here in La Canada (although the newscasters always place it in Pasadena). 

Todd joined his father-in-law, Don (a recently retired JPL Engineer – yes he IS a Rocket Scientist!), at a spot Don had scoped out the previous day.  He figured it was the perfect place to see Endeavor as it made its loop over the JPL facility; below is the picture Todd took of that historic moment.

When I received this photo, I was blown away (pardon the pun!)  What a shot – and my son took it!  I sent it out to friends and family, from whom I continue to get responses of  “WOW”, “Amazing”, “Awesome”, “What a photographer”.

Yeah, but it’s just Todd.

 Bill tells me “Well he is a professional photographer, Carol!”

Yeah, but he’s just our son.

As I have been reflecting on my reactions, not only to this picture, but my cavalier attitude about Todd’s gifts, I thought of the Gospel story of Jesus not being recognized in his own hometown.  After all, he was just the carpenter’s son.

You see where I am going with this?  How many times do I do that?

 People look at the beautiful bonsai Bill has so carefully and lovingly tended and I say

Yeah, but he’s just my husband.

Sound familiar?  Perhaps not; but as for me, this has been a huge “God Shot”!  I am quick to admire the talents of mere acquaintances or even strangers, compliment them on their achievements and accomplishments.  Of course, that is a good thing. But maybe, just maybe, I should take a look at those closest to me and not take for granted their God-given gifts.

So – Yes!  Todd is one great photographer!

And – yeah – he’s my son!

The Goodness of God

Last weekend was filled with the goodness of God, for me!  On Saturday, we began the fifth season of A Morning Apart at church.  My friend and I initiated these monthly gatherings, which include a time for scripture reading using Lectio Divina, followed by an extended quiet time to be with God in whatever way works for each individual.  Some read, journal, take walks, or participate in a spiritual discipline we might be offering.  This month we focused on Psalm 104, known as the ‘Creation Psalm’.  We set up five meditation areas around the church campus with one of Bill’s amazing bonsai’s as the focal point at each.  Talk about experiencing God’s creation through nature!

The previous evening I had another encounter with God’s Grace.  My son, Todd and daughter-in-law Amy, invited Amy’s parents and us for dinner to announce the gender and name of our first grandchild.  They very cleverly gave us each a picture frame that said “first grandchild’ with a photo of the name spelled out using scrabble letters.  Tears were flowing, as Bill and I realized this new little fellow would be carrying our name to the next generation! 

I hope these pictures give you a flavor of "The Goodness of God"!

Full Circle

Have you ever had the experience of life coming ‘full circle’?    You know, those times when you realize you’ve been in this place before, but now you’re coming at it from the other direction.  I had one of those this weekend.

Fourteen years ago it seemed as though my life was falling apart.  I was in the midst of two major crises and feeling pretty hopeless.  I had just started attending a Presbyterian Church, which had a Stephen Ministry program.  This amazing group of people volunteer to walk alongside a person who needs a companion while maneuvering through a rough patch in life.  They don’t give advice, it’s not psychotherapy; it’s just great big doses of TLC when you need it most!  I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of the care given by an incredible Stephen Minister.  Not only did she walk me through my crises, but we formed a spiritual friendship that continues to thrive to this day.

So here I am all these years later and I was asked to facilitate a retreat, which would commence their new year of ministry.  As I began the morning with a brief introduction of myself and why Stephen Ministers had been such a pivotal part of my life, I was struck by the ‘full circleness’ of it all!  (I don’t think ‘circleness’ is a word, but it just seems to fit!).  God was allowing me the opportunity to give back in some small measure, that which had been so freely given to me all those years ago. 

I’d like to say, instead of being on the receiving end, I was on the giving end.  But this full circle thing doesn’t exactly work like that, does it?  Because you see as I sat in the retreat Saturday morning, I was once again receiving.  I was filled with gratitude for this ministry and for a God who is so faithful.  He has never given up on me, even when time after time I have doubted myself.  A full circle blessing, indeed!

So, back to the beginning, have you ever had the experience of life coming ‘full circle’?    I bet you have.  It’s pretty awesome isn’t it?