Community

I am part of many communities, but none has been more precious to me in the last six months than my faith community. Though separated by 2000 miles, I have felt them beside me as I drove solo across the country, as I sat with my mother in hospital rooms and nursing centers, as I cared for my Parkinsons-impaired father, and as I celebrated the release of my mother from pain and suffering to the peace of God’s kingdom.

My bothers and sisters in Christ prayed for my family, sent me encouraging (or funny) emails, pulled weeds in my yard, picked me up from the airport, called to cheer me, sent cards, delivered food to my door, and asked with true concern how I was holding up. These were acts of love and a demonstration of community as I believe God wants us to live it.

We are all connected by shared life experiences. Those who have lost a parent or other loved one know how it feels and know what I needed. Now that I have been blessed with their kindness, I must return it. Not that I haven’t prayed for others and tried to serve those in need, but I’ve also missed a lot of opportunities. How often have I been just too busy or preoccupied with my own little challenges to even send a card? And how often has my prayer list stretched into the night and put me to sleep?

I promise to do better. Now I have a story to tell that may help others as I have been helped. I will never underestimate the power of prayer and tiniest gesture of love.

This weekend I am with my faith community as we celebrate the church’s 50th anniversary. Current and former members, some traveling long distances, shared a meal and some fun. But I believe it’s those shared life experiences and expressions of love over the past 50 years that are cause for celebration.

Sue