I fell asleep early in the morning, later than I should have. Then I awoke and felt rested, for the first time in many days, though soon I would arise and find the sense of restfulness was not a true reality. I showered and I prepared for the day as I listened to the falling rain outside my apartment window. Then I drove to where the church picnic was to be held this day. I was the first to arrive and I walked around a bit exploring, listing to the wind, feeling the wind, looking out at the lake….
As I walked I lifted my internal voice up to the Holy One in prayer, as I had on my drive, and in my morning preparations as well. I prayed about various things, and as I walked a sense of longing was found within me. A longing to breathe the salt air of the pacific coast, to feel the salt and sand on a stormy windy day pelt my face, to taste the salt in the air, to feel the crashing waves against my feet. I miss the ocean so very much, and this day as I looked out upon the stormy lake it came so prevalent to me. Memories of walking the ocean shore, breathing the fresh sea air… and a desire to be there, and I found this longing to resonate in my prayers, seeking a hope, seeking an understanding, seeking clarity of future and present calling and service. Ideas of the morning preparation as I thought of possible ways of service, possible needs here and how I should extend myself for the betterment of us all. Ideas of seeking to engage ministry more fully with and through this community, to aide it in becoming the community it is called to become as apart of the Community of Christ and part of the greater community that seeks in varied ways to embrace the call of Christ and seek the peaceable community of the Holy One.
I have much to think about, much to discuss with other, much to pray about. I also must find ways of filling that longing and missing of the ocean and the volcanoes that call to me as one of my many homes.
As I walked, and then as I reflected, I found some peace even as my body called out to me in ache and pain, I headed only a bit to it and now I seek to find ways to engage it in my contemplations and reflections.
As the day wore on others arrived, I found myself outside with the grill and a couple of others as the service took place inside, and then we shared in meal together, and in fellowship. The youth enjoying themselves upon the playground. At some point I learned the 13 will be different than planed. Originally Blake was scheduled to speak and I to preside at the Kirtland Community of Christ congregation. However now it looks as if I will be speaking. The service is mostly planed, a few light tweaks are needed, a bit of work on the prayers, and of course finding people for the various roles, including that of presider. So in the next two weeks a sermon will hopefully form and take shape, all are welcome to come, but I do ask that you try to restrain from throwing things at me. For as those who have experienced my preaching know, I rarely use the pulpit and thus have nothing to duck behind… (Kirtland Community of Christ is located at 9017 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094). It will be a busy weekend… I work Friday night, in the morning of Saturday travel to Transfer, PA for the Mission Center Conference, drive back to work 6-11pm, then up bright and early to prepare myself and to celebrate in community while attempting to proclaim the Living Word…. I wonder if I will work Sunday night as well?
Peace be with you one and all,
— Lyle II