Dearly Beloved,
Yesterday, I gathered with our retreat planning committee, and as we checked in I heard from a number of people how heavy this season feels to so many of us. Heavy as we look at all that's happening at the national level, heavy as our community here in Loveland considers decisions that criminalize homelessness and punish poverty, heavy in our own lives as we navigate various things personally. And I also heard gratitude and grace for things going well. It got me thinking about the things that sustain us when things are hard, the things that help us feel connected and grounded and whole.
Our Lenten theme (beginning two weeks from today on February 18) is "Tell Me Something Good." We talk about the Bible and the gospels in particular as good news. And I am struck by what it means for them to be good news in the midst of the heavy, in the midst of the complex, in the midst of hard. That God's good news is hope in the midst of chaos, hope even in the midst of what may look lost or hopeless.
In this season where much feels heavy for many of us, what are the things that sustain you? What is the good news you're holding onto? Where in your life are you able to tend or receive connection and experience joy?
In my house that looked like an impromptu dance party in the living room this evening. When our favorite songs come on, I turn the volume up in the car. We set aside time to read a Bible story and share prayers every evening (we speak gratitudes and remember our beloveds who are sick, having surgery, or struggling in other ways). I have been trying to give myself and my kids some extra spaciousness. I've also sought out friends by phone and text. I've taken time to create art. I sing in the kitchen and in the car. My best friend and I share silly things that make us laugh over text.
In these times tending our bodies, tending relationships, taking responsibility for what is ours and letting go of what is not ours, and taking time to laugh are among the things that sustain us. I am excited about the opportunity our upcoming retreat offers for us to do that together -- in the beauty of Estes Park. To take a little bit of time away, to retreat and play and sing and make art together, to deepen in relationship to one another.
What a gift it is to be church together, God's beloved.
With love and hope,
Thandiwe
