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Dear Church Family,
Two things happened recently that awakened my imagination, and while seeming far apart, I swear they are related. Are there ever mundane tasks you do that invite deep consideration? Here are a couple of mine:
1) I read the book ‘Being Mortal’ by Atul Gawande (highly recommend)
2) I took my windchimes down (to be put back up!)
The book ‘Being Mortal’ was written from a physician’s perspective, exploring the realities of aging (warning: how our bodies age is depressing, but I’m betting most of us are aware) amidst medical advancement’s priorities at prolonging life. Often, the pressures to extend life (even just months to a year) can come at a quality cost when crises or changes come our way. Gawande’s book offers fodder for consideration for making end of life meaningful rather than fearful. I’m reading this book with my parents and my sister, so we can talk together about maximizing independence and quality amidst whatever comes down the road. If you haven’t read this, or aren’t a book person, you can catch a powerful summary version if you search Frontline’s 2015 Being Mortal special on this very topic. It’s helpful to consider what lies ahead rather than being surprised by it, or suddenly in a crisis with no bearings for making big decisions.
What does this have to do with wind chimes? When we moved from Bellingham, I got some beautiful windchimes from our favorite neighborhood nursery to hang at our house in Cashmere. When the wind blows, I am reminded of the movement of God’s Spirit in our old life and in our new. 5 years later, I pulled them down to use for an event and I was surprised (I don’t know why) at how dirty they were! Covered in cobwebs, dead bugs and dust, carrying marks from orchard spray and the elements. I was surprised because the sound of the chimes carried in the wind has not diminished in the years they have been up, no matter the impact of what time has brought them.
I’m connecting this with the reflections from Being Mortal, as the chimes remind me of the parts of us that ring true throughout our lives. Our souls, our personhood, our being. We see value in one another no matter the levels of dementia or impairments. What we are able to do physically morphs throughout our lives depending on circumstances and often, chance. We are not what we do. Our work isn’t our identity. Our value isn’t in what we can accomplish for ourselves or for others. Often these are pathways in finding meaning and purpose, but often they bring more opportunities for questions than answers. Our failures and challenges can be pathways for receiving grace, and understanding God’s love isn’t about what we accomplish but that we were created for connection.
This month in the lectionary we explore some of the stories of Abraham and Sarah, who are navigating life centered on God’s direction, up against their own expectations and impulses. Ultimately, we see God’s compassion and provision time and again amidst faithful attempts and human follies. God knows them and loves them, and it turns out, can handle all their emotions, missteps, and goofs. Who they are matters to God, and God makes a way for them. This holy companionship and exploration of life driven by faith in this loving, forgiving God opens doors for us as well, to secure our own hearts in God’s love amidst life's joys and challenges.
May the Spirit guide you as you express the melody of your life - God’s presence amidst the cobwebs and bruises, on through the celebrations and choruses - those wind chimes sing with the movement of the Spirit, and so do you!
Blessings,
Pastor Becca
