All in Personal Reflection
On June 1, Aaron and his brother Tim (Ike) placed half of their mother’s ashes on the rocks at Two Lights, Maine, in keeping with her final wishes. They stood and watched as the tide came in and carried the ashes out to sea at a place where Mary Alice and their father, Allen (also Ike), had spent many happy times together. Standing in that beautiful place, it was not difficult to imagine the first peoples who were drawn there, over 12,000 years ago.
Almost anyone you ask is willing to take a photo so that everyone can be included, and then are grateful when the favor is returned. There is no language barrier on this exchange of kindness.
My hope for the future is that we can learn from traditions that have exhibited loving and healthy integration of all persons, regardless of gender expression, into the life of the community. My hope for the future is that we will value relationships based on how healthy and loving they are and encourage relationships where people are respected and loved for who they are. My hope for the future is that we can see each person as a beloved child of God, who created the human family in all its glory and diversity.
The later you are on the road and the more the truck drivers around you seem to be nodding off at the wheel, the more you appreciate having prayers for your vehicle and for traveling mercies.
Life is amazing, and not just the special times, not just the good times. If we are willing to say, “God is the everything, God is the All,” then we have to be alert for God’s presence in all times, in all places, in all circumstances.
Scripture points us to God who is not distant and unknowable, but very present, so ubiquitously present that it is easy to allow glory to become simply background noise, easy to be swimming in God and yet be unaware that we are in the water.
My senses heightened,
I turned and laid eyes on the gawky youngster.
People lament rainy days.
Especially on vacation.
I get it.
Is it enough
to hold space with a dying friend?
By God’s word all things hold together. Let the final word be, “God is the everything!”
