A gentle Sabbath...

Today we took a windy, backroad trip to Hartford, CT to visit the Wadworth Atheneum.  It is the oldest public art gallery in the US. (check it out: http://www.thewadsworth.org/)  There are a number of impressive landscapes from the Hudson River School, the Amistad Center - an art foundation dedicated to the interpretation and celebration of African American art - as well some hot contemporary artists, too.  One of my favorites is "Garden of Music" by Bob Thompson...

Afterwards, we wandered our way back North to NoHo - the People's Republic of Northampton for the uninitiated - for dinner with our daughter at a HOT Thai place. On the way, we ventured into my favorite local used bookstore, The Raven, where I found a copy of a book exploring the musical, cultural and spiritual roots of Coltrane's masterpiece, A Love Supreme.  It was great to see Michal and catch up with her world - and share some great food, too.

Tomorrow our Open and Affirming team meets to craft a statement of welcome to our LGBTQ sisters and brothers - as well as others who have been excluded by the church - at a morning retreat. We have been prayerful and deliberate, open and tender and are now ready to listen for God's spirit as we seek to articulate our commitment to Christ's radical hospitality. I am grateful for such a sweet day of renewal and a time of retreat with some dedicated people of compassion.  Coltrane considered Psalm 4 for his sweet work and I am thinking of it too as the day comes to a close...

When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
How long will you lust after lies?
How long will you live crazed by illusion?

Look at this: look
Who got picked by God!
He listens the split second I call to him.

Complain if you must, but don't lash out.
Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
"More, more." I have God's more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day
Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.