A long but gratifying day...

Today was a long but gratifying day.  It affirmed my trust in the people of this small congregation in the Berkshires (not that there was any doubt.) It strengthened my sense that we are discerning God's will in a graceful way, too.  And it made clear that our planning, prayers and patience continues to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

+ Worship on Veteran's Day was light - but profound.  Members of our PTSD colloquy shared thoughts and ideas about peace-making and honoring our women and men in the armed services.  I was able to read a poem by one of our own vets, too.  Very sobering as well as clarifying:  real peace work in this post-war era will involve embracing our all too invisible warriors with compassion and gratitude even as we try to shape public policy so that we make feeding the poor, housing the homeless and educating the illiterate is at the heart of our foreign policy.

+ Then some of the leaders of another congregation met with my council leadership to explore ways we might collaborate in mission.  Three areas were affirmed:  a) working together on their Wednesday evening emergency dinner program; b) combining our Habitat for Humanity efforts; and c) planning mission trip activity with our respective young people.  I came away from this conversation realizing that we are very strategic about what we do and how we do it.  Many other congregations in our tradition are more reactive.  Different strokes and all that... but I gave thanks to God for leading me to a setting that is interested in careful planning, deep recruitment and evaluation, too.

+ And then this evening's confirmation meeting:  what a blessing!  Most of the parents and mentors were able to be present for our "getting ready for Advent" reflections.  First I listened to their stories of what Advent traditions they already celebrate.  Second, I shared two resources we might use in common - an Advent calendar and an Advent candle ceremony - and we spent a LOT of time talking about how to link OUR hopes, peace, love and experience with Christ to the ancient story.  Finally, we agreed upon two Advent disciplines:  a) each day we will find one minute to gather with our loved ones and hold one another up to God in silent prayer; and b) each family and their mentors will attend each of the four Sundays in Advent.

Small steps, yes?  Nothing earth shattering, to be sure. But small ways to grow closer to one another and God in gentle and quiet acts of love.  We are reclaiming the Christian tradition in this portion of the church so that it is alive and creative for these families.  We agreed we don't need MORE busy-ness - and we need to let go of guilt and anxiety in this season, too - so our little acts of Advent preparation sink in.  Tomorrow I'll rake leaves and pray for our vets.  Next week will also include hospital and home visits, practicing for our upcoming Thanksgiving Eve show, finding out more about my brother's recent seizure and sharing a feast with the PTSD group.

At day's end, after a little nap and some late grocery shopping, I can say it was a long but gratifying day... and I am grateful.