by Tom Sine
Before the Covid Pandemic abruptly arrived, mainline Protestant and Catholic churches – including a growing number of evangelical churches – were experiencing a slow decline in attendance. Particularly of the generations Gen Y and Z, the under 50. Since Covid arrived, Pew Research estimates a surprising 30% decline in church attendance. Church leaders report they are also experiencing a dramatic decline in giving and volunteering. This continued decline is not only an alarming concern for the western church, but globally it is a greater concern for those all over the planet who are benefiting from the care and change-making western churches have offered.
Is it possible that followers of Jesus in the western church in this time of crisis could be motivated by first-century followers of Jesus to up our game, increasing the vitality of our faith in times like these? I suggest you invite a small group in your church to read Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition written by Christine D. Pohl. It not only describes how those first-century followers of Jesus created a surprising number of expanding communities from many different national and economic backgrounds, but this first community also gave a very high commitment to taking daily time to be present to God and weekly time to empower those in need. This was a new form of community the world had never seen before!
“Writers in the New Testament portray Jesus as a gracious host, welcoming children, prostitutes and tax collectors and sinners into his presence. Such welcome startled and annoyed those who generally viewed themselves as the preferred guests at gatherings. Remember this Jesus experienced the vulnerability of the homeless infant, the child refugee, the adult that had no place to lay his head, the despised convict.” – excerpted from Making Room
Remarkably this new religious movement didn’t begin with the erection of religious buildings. Rather it began with a large number of people from very different nations and cultures creating new living communities and villages of devotion and care for the vulnerable. Together they created new ways of living that were strongly committed to the ways of Jesus including caring for those in need. These first Jesus followers created networks of living communities where they not only worshipped God but sustained and cared for their families. These first Jesus followers also reached out to those in need in ways that had never been seen before. Wouldn’t this be a great time for declining churches to invite those who might be inspired by these first-century disciples to put first things first?
Recently I had the opportunity to work with a Presbyterian church in Washington State that was struggling not only with declining attendance and giving in these pandemic times, but virtually no families and very few young people. Their leadership team read my most recent book that was co-authored with Dwight Friesen entitled: 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change. Essentially it outlines how congregations can in these pandemic times both do a better job of anticipating new waves of change, and creating new ways of living. We can create new ways to be disciples of Jesus that looks much more like those 1st-century compassionate communities of Jesus.
During a two-day workshop, we offered a Futures Creativity Workshop to not only reduce doubling decline but to also recover some of the vitality of those informal communities of Jesus that made such a difference in the lives of those in their troubled communities in the troubled times in which they lived. Let me tell you about one church that made a decision to go for their best.
A group of leaders in a Presbyterian church, here in Washington, decided in March to go for their best. What they created was a group called “ Going for Your Best!” That group focused on creating a strong new community that committed to:
Did you know? If you visit our Seasons and Blessings Resource Page, there is a whole section on Back-to-School resources listed under the Autumn column! We have gathered prayers and practical resources to help you mentally and spiritually prepare yourself and your kids for the school year ahead. You might also enjoy checking out this free downloadable book of prayers for children, found in our shop.
by Elaine Breckenridge, originally posted on the Circlewood blog The Ecological Disciple here: Practical Earthkeeping: Transforming A Septic Drainfield and More
In 2019, my husband, Breck Breckenridge and I moved from central California to Camano Island, Washington. There is so much natural beauty here to enjoy, especially the many forests and rocky beaches. However, island living also meant many changes in our day-to-day lifestyle, chief among them is managing our state-of-the art septic system. This particular septic system comes with its own sand drainage field. As you can see from the picture below it was not very attractive and it occupies half of the backyard space.
In the beginning there was just sand
We were told that nothing could be planted on the field, but my husband, who is a professional landscape designer and botanist, was determined to transform our eyesore into something attractive. He did research, which included contacting the engineer who installed the system, and obtained a schematic of the design. He learned from studying the plan that he could, in fact, plant species with smaller root systems. And with this knowledge he began to design his project in April of 2020.
I admit that I was nervous about his plan. I had seen far too many photos of homeowners’ landscapes where plantings had strangled their septic systems, damaging them, resulting in high-cost repairs. I had hoped the plan would become a Japanese Zen Garden with large rocks and an opportunity to rake the sand as a meditative practice. And, while Breck was committed to there being large stones and smaller rocks in the design, he was also determined to make it a garden with plants. To assuage my anxiety, he created a boundary with string. Nothing with roots longer than three to four inches would be planted in the center area where the emitters are located that release gray water from the system.
The “No Plant Zone”
Normally, when Breck designs a garden, he creates a base map to scale and then draws his landscape designs (blueprint) by hand. This includes a list of plants selected before an actual installation. However, he adopted a different process this time. He let his creativity unfold slowly over time. He began by placing his largest rock, what he called the “Master Stone.” Then came the selection and installation of other stones and plants which has changed over time. Some of the plants that are currently growing are ornamental grasses, small succulents, especially sedums, and native plants such as Beach Strawberries, Bear-berry and various herbs.
Bird feeders, including a hummingbird feeder, were placed in the lawn around the perimeter of the field. The birds found the feeders. We began to have regular visitations. We have seen the usual sparrows, chickadees, nuthatches, finches and flickers. We have visits from three other species of woodpeckers: the Downy, Pileated and Hairy. We have the lovely presence and languorous song of Mourning Doves and visits from Collared Doves. We’ve seen Varied Thrush, and Grosbeaks. One day, we even had twelve Band Tailed pigeons! We’ve watched a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk practice its hunting. Needless to say, the birds scatter! We have other visitors who happily graze beneath the feeders—squirrels and rabbits. Butterflies visit some of the plants when they are flowering.
Varied Thrush, my favorite bird
Then followed the bees. Breck is raising both Mason and Leafcutter bees. To do so, it has meant installing a house for the bees and providing flowers for their food. For example, we have expansive clover patches in both our back yard and front yard which have attracted many bumblebees as well.
Bee House and Little Hop Clover
Breck’s creation of a landscape, from the drainage field, which was begun over two years ago, is now a continual work in progress. It went through many changes and its latest incarnation this summer is both beautiful and interesting. More importantly it is serving creation. Over time, the septic drain field has begun to be transformed into its own little ecosystem.
The author of the book, The One Straw Revolution, Masanobu Fukuoka, was a Japanese farmer and philosopher celebrated for his natural farming and re-vegetation of desertified lands. He wrote, “The goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
The same I think can be said of any project dedicated to Earthkeeping. As Christians and ecological disciples, when we become co-creators with God in our caring for the Earth, our personal transformations naturally occur. Breck and I have had our own transformation experiences. Rather than simply redeeming the eyesore of a septic field of sand, a new creation has come forth. It has been wonderful for me to see how Breck has found a creative way to partner both with the Creator and creation.
Bird viewing from my kitchen
As for me. I am not a gardener. I did not work on this project. But the project worked on me. My anxiety has been transformed into joy. To begin with, I had no interest in birds whatsoever. And then one day this past winter I saw a Varied Thrush at one of the feeders. It was the most beautiful bird I had ever seen. So, now I am learning about birds! I have bird books and I am keeping a life list of birds I have seen from my kitchen window. At the moment, I use my opera glasses, but who knows, maybe I will trade them for binoculars and venture forth from my own backyard to see more flying beauties and wonder in creation.
Breck and I are grateful for this opportunity to recount the story of the new creation in our own backyard. And after sharing this reflection with all of you, we have decided that the name “Septic Drain Field” needs to be transformed as well. Many thanks to you for visiting “The Sand and Stones Garden” created by Breck Breckenridge on Camano Island, Washington.
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Digging Deeper: The Art of Contemplative Gardening
Want to bring together some earthkeeping, greening, and spiritual focus? Christine Sine’s latest book is packed full of contemplative wisdom and inspiration for creating your own meditative focus. You don’t need a large plot of land or even a proper pot – any vessel will do. Whether a beginner or an expert gardener, enjoy the process alongside Christine! Click for more details!
Over the last few weeks we have enjoyed several posts on the story of Good Samaritan. They focused on seeing strangers as neighbours and the need to reach out to people suffering around us. Such important messages from the story. I wonder about another rarely noticed element. All of the people in this story are strangers to each other and it is a great lesson in the benefit of strangers.
In fact there are many benefits of strangers. Evidently, numerous studies show that talking with strangers can make us happier, more connected to our communities, mentally sharper, healthier, less lonely, and more trustful and optimistic. Actually for some people, including myself, one of the joys of travelling is the delight of meeting new people, having experiences not planned for and ending up with wonderful stories to tell.
“Strangers stir wonder and are waiting to be known” – Sue Duby said this in a recent newsletter and it is true. Each encounter with a stranger has so much potential hidden in it. Might this person become a friend? Will they give me a different perspective on the world? Will they help me understand a problem I am struggling with? Could they provide an opportunity to show compassion? Or will they show me compassion and generosity?
I really identify with Jane Brody’s New York Times article The Benefits Of Talking to Strangers. Like her I am an extrovert and relish talking to strangers as I walk, shop and travel. One of the delights of COVID isolation for me was walking our dog and greeting fellow walkers on the way. It strengthened my bonds to the neighbourhood in which Tom and I live making me aware every day that I am surrounded by a community and am never really alone.
Ms Brody’s article mainly focuses on the book Consequential Strangers: The Power of People Who Don’t Seem to Matter … but Really Do, by Melina Blau and Karen Fingerman. Quoting from the book she says,
consequential strangers “are as vital to our well-being, growth, and day-to-day existence as family and close friends. Consequential strangers anchor us in the world and give us a sense of being plugged into something larger. They also enhance and enrich our lives and offer us opportunities for novel experiences and information that is beyond the purview of our inner circles. They are vital social connections — people who help you get through the day and make life more interesting.”
Once upon a time I took the generosity and compassion of strangers for granted and I assumed I needed to show compassion to strangers in need. When I started wandering the world as a 25-year-old I was often invited into the houses of strangers for meals and hospitality. Yes some of them were friends of friends or were also involved in missionary work, but they were still strangers. Others I met on trains and buses and aeroplanes. Total strangers with no common connections who invited me to visit and greeted me with generous hospitality. Tom and I have extended the same kind of hospitality to strangers throughout our marriage and our lives are constantly enriched by these interactions. We gained friends and acquaintances around the world, saw our worldview stretched and reshaped, and experienced the stirring of wonder and delight at all these “consequential strangers” shared with us.
Today many of us feel threatened by strangers. COVID and the growing threat of violence in our world makes us afraid of people we do not know. Our busy schedules increase the distance. We no longer talk to strangers as we travel or at conferences and other large events, taking advantage of breaks in the schedule to make phone calls, check our social media and isolate ourselves in a cocoon of self-involvement. Some of us don’t even know our next-door neighbours, some of the most consequential strangers we could ever interact with.
In another fascinating sounding book The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World, Joe Keohane suggests that we have become lazy in our curiosity about each other. In Robert Scheffler’s review of the book he comments: “Joe Keohane demonstrated that when we do connect with strangers, we like it, we value it, and want to do it again. And it turns out there are many people and groups that can’t wait to sit with just about anyone (who knew?) and have a good chat—on a street corner, in a classroom, at a convention–about your life, your worldview, even (gulp) your political ideas, all free of agenda and free of conflict. Given the state we find ourselves in, talks like these can’t happen soon enough.”
Every stranger around us is a neighbour waiting to be known. So my invitation for you this week is to get out and interact with some of the consequential strangers you meet. Say hello to the person who serves you at the supermarket, or wave to all the neighbours you see as you walk. Or mask up, take a bus or train ride and say hello to people who sit with you. On longer trips you might get to know quite a bit about the person next to you. Suggest they mask up too. Let them know your ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID. Encourage them to stay safe. Who knows, you might save them from a nasty reinfection, be able to offer advice, learn something new or find a new friend through the conversation.
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Next Facebook Live!
Join Christine Sine and Elaine Breckenridge for a discussion on Celtic Spirituality and Rhythms of Life – Wednesday, July 20th at 9 am PT. Happening live in the Godspace Light Community Group on Facebook – but if you can’t catch the live discussion, you can catch up later on YouTube!
Another beautiful contemplative service to beckon us into the presence of God again this week.
A contemplative service with music in the spirit of Taize.
Carrie Grace Littauer, prayer leader, with music by Kester Limner and Andy Myers.
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-710-756.
Thank you for praying with us! www.saintandrewsseattle.org
by Tom Sine, originally posted here
Do you and your loved ones have plans for the summer of 2022? It seems like people all over the world are more than ready to return to summer as usual now that Covid seems to have run out of gas.
Christine and I are going to celebrate our 30th anniversary at our favorite retreat site on the coast at Anacortes, Washington. However, we have just discovered disappointing news. Per the New York Times, Covid has not in fact run out of gas. Quite the contrary! It is actually giving birth to new variants that are not only more infectious than the earlier ones, they will also require the creation of new vaccines.
“The newest omicron offshoot, BA.5, is sweeping across the United States. But spotty testing and data collection has significantly hampered the nation’s ability to accurately track the number of new cases. Some epidemiologists think there could be as many as 1 million new cases a day, and one expert called BA.5 “the worst version of the virus that we’ve seen.”
The latest subvariant is taking over quickly because it can easily dodge immunity from prior infections and vaccines, increasing the risk of reinfection.
Editorial Board of the Washington Post, July 7th 2022: “The worst virus variant has just arrived. The Pandemic is not over.”
I realize we are all very tired of dancing to the restraints of this exhausting pandemic. However, I suspect we are even much more tired of visiting loved ones in hospital and watching more of our young have their lives disrupted.
The CDC has not posted any guidelines yet that clearly outline how we, our young and our seniors, can have a great summer though starting the dance with this new Covid BA 5 … since there is no vaccine yet for the BA.5 sub-variant.
So when Christine and I go on our 30-year celebration this month, we decided to create our own guidelines drawing on what we have learned from the CDC and our care in grappling with this dreadful pandemic:
- We will wear our number N95 (or kn95) masks in public places
- We will eat exclusively in outdoor dining locations on our holiday
- We will only host friends on our retreat and when we are back home who are covid free out-of-doors during summer celebrations
- We will get vaccine shots for Covid BA.5 as soon as they are available
Do let us know how you plan to protect those you love from this deadly BA.5. We will share some of your ideas or other points of view with our readers … have a festive & safe summer 2022 always putting the care of others first as is the way of Jesus.
Welcoming your feedback and innovative responses. twsine@gmail.com
Featured photo altered from an original photo by Anshu A on Unsplash
Did you know? We offer many wonderful free resources on our resource page and in our shop! From Advent retreats to coloring pages to poetry and more. Click here to explore our free downloadable offerings and more!
By Lilly Lewin
What would you serve if Jesus came over for dinner? Would it be a casual cookout or BBQ, or would you call in a caterer? Would you have multiple courses, or take away/carry out from your favorite restaurant?
I’d never seen the story of Mary and Martha in the light of hospitality until this week! Read the story and imagine the scene. What does it look like? Feel like? Are the disciples there too? Are there lots of other people? Or is it a more intimate group?
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10:38-42 NIVAs they continued their journey, Jesus came to a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister by the name of Mary who settled down at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was very worried about her elaborate preparations and she burst in, saying, “Lord, don’t you mind that my sister has left me to do everything by myself? Tell her to get up and help me!”
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, my dear, you are worried and bothered about providing so many things. Only a few things are really needed, perhaps only one. Mary has chosen the best part and you must not tear it away from her!” LUKE 10:38-42 J.B. Phillips New Testament
READ Passage one more time….
As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”
The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” LUKE 10:38-42 THE MESSAGE
What do you notice? What stands out to you?
I noticed that I also like to interrupt Jesus … just like Martha did … I talk and too often whine rather than stopping and listening to what Jesus has to say.
Imagine the Scene, where are you in the story?
Are you feeling more like Martha or Mary these days? Why?
One interpretation of this passage finds that Jesus might be saying to Martha “don’t overdo it … you don’t have to work so hard or go overboard with trying to please. Simple is just fine.” What do you think about that? How does this give YOU freedom or permission to live or serve or be more simply in your life with Jesus and others?
I am totally guilty of doing too much for a gathering, even a small gathering. It’s not easy for me to make things simple. And I have been trained that the house should be “perfect” in order to have someone over.
What if Jesus doesn’t mind if things are messy or if things aren’t complex? What if Jesus is inviting us to keep it simple? How does that free you and me up to have more peace? And more possibilities for hosting others and practicing hospitality?
Check out this painting by Georg Friedrich Stettner: Christ at the home of Martha and Mary and the other art on this site….what do you notice?
READ Meditation by Father Richard Rohr on Mary and Martha
PRACTICE:
How can you plan to be more PRESENT with Jesus this week? What do you need to do to remind yourself to be more present?
Martha was frustrated by lack of help and being stuck in the kitchen with “all the things” of hosting a dinner party. Jesus invites her to be present with him! NOT LATER that night, NOT THE NEXT DAY, BUT RIGHT NOW! We all have to wash dishes. So this week, make dishwashing your prayer practice. Let it be the time you are present to Jesus and with Jesus. Pray and talk to Jesus while you wash or load the dishwasher. Take time to listen too!
How can you Practice Hospitality this week?
PRINT OUT THE COLORING SHEET and do it as a family or on your own or with some friends. Sit Down at the Table with Jesus! Who do you want to invite to sit with you?
TABLE with Jesus coloring Sheet
When we have people around our table, Jesus is there with us! In Spirit and in each person present so let’s relax a bit more and enjoy!
Sit Down at the Table Coloring Sheet
Help us Jesus to keep it simple. Help us to relax in your love so we can love others. Help us to be present with you so we can be present with others. In your Name! Amen
©lillylewin and freerangeworship@gmail.com
Check out AT THE TABLE with JESUS Sacred Space Prayer Experience where the Martha and Mary Table is all about REST
Next Facebook Live!
Join Christine Sine and Elaine Breckenridge for a discussion on Celtic Spirituality and Rhythms of Life – Wednesday, July 20th at 9 am PT. Happening live in the Godspace Light Community Group on Facebook – but if you can’t catch the live discussion, you can catch up later on YouTube!
Editors Note: Each Thursday in July we are having an Artful Julybilee – a celebration of art through the exploration of our current theme. We have many talented artists and authors and will be featuring several each week culminating in a booklet at the end. Come explore the facets of what it means to be Living as Christ Lived: Towards Justice, Love, and Peace for All Creation through the lens of art. You can find Part One Here: Towards Peace For All Creation. Then head to part three and part four, or straight to our FREE convenient downloadable booklet!
Featured Photo Christine Sine, communion during a Celtic Retreat
The Prodigal Son
by Joy Lenton. Adapted from an original post by Joy Lenton, found on her site joylenton.com
During our walk of faith, especially when we falter or fall away, one of the most reassuring things is knowing that God never turns away from us. On the contrary, he waits with infinite patience and endless love for us to return to him.
God longs for us to develop a growing awareness of who he is and accept the amazing, unconditional love he has for us. This wondrous love gives us hope and strengthens us when we encounter problems.
“So he had this moment of self-reflection: ‘What am I doing here? Back home, my father’s hired servants have plenty of food. Why am I here starving to death? I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?’ So he got up and returned to his father. The father looked off in the distance and saw the young man returning. He felt compassion for his son and ran out to him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him.” — Luke 15: 17-20 The Voice
The Prodigal Son story celebrates the lost runaway’s eventual return to his father and the home where his heart truly belongs. It mirrors our relationship with God, who joyfully welcomes us back whenever we have strayed or got lost.
The Prodigal Son
The father stoops to comfort,
to welcome home his lost
and errant son. No rebuke.
No reproach. Only a ring
on his finger, a sizzling roast
dinner, and a fresh set of clothes.
This prodigal had strayed, lost
his way and lost himself
to baser things.
Turned his back, then turned
full circle to return again.
He came home as one who had
seen the seedy side of life,
the degradations of squandering
his inheritance, his wealth,
his soul on loose living.
He came with guilt and shame,
humiliated by his own
behaviour, by the state
he was in, expecting
to be treated as he thought
he deserved, but met with
grace and mercy instead.
More than that, he encountered
open arms and open heart, a warm
embrace, tears, forgiveness, peace,
acceptance, a kneeling father
pouring out nothing but love.
We are prodigals, stray sheep
who have wandered off
and squandered the gifts
our God has lavished
on us, without a thought.
Yet he receives us all, comes
running barefoot in our souls,
in his haste to comfort,
not to scold. And to hold us close,
this child he’s lost and esteems
as precious and dearly beloved.
Garden Inspiration Breath Prayer
by Christine Sine; photo below also by Christine of the peace rose in her garden.
This breath prayer was written one morning as I gazed out at the beauty of my garden, expressing my love towards all creation.
I breathe in and inhale my love for creation,
I breathe out and express my concern for our world.
I breathe in and know God cares for creation,
I breathe out and know God suffers with our world.
No pain is too small to make God weep,
Too big for God to change.
God’s love will transform all.
God’s love will bring new life.
The Great Loves
Love Covers
by Melissa Taft, photos by Melissa Taft. The quilt made for a friend’s baby, and two of Grandma’s quilts displayed at her funeral – one she made for a grandson and one for a granddaughter.
Once, a friend I held dear discovered she was moving far away. I had dreamed of our children continuing to grow up together. I didn’t know what to do with all the love that I had for her that could no longer be expressed in person, so I purposed to pour it out in a blanket for her unborn son. “Grief is love with nowhere to go” I once heard, and I believe it. I needed a place for that love to go, so I could move from grief to peace. My idea blossomed and I decided to make it a community project. I cut squares of interfacing and asked special people in her life to write a blessing or a verse or a wish for the baby. I stitched the quilt top, then carefully embroidered all the wishes and prayers and dreams onto the squares. I wanted each person’s unique handwriting to come through, so that my friend could see how a whole community stitched together tangible love to keep her baby warm. That it wasn’t just my love represented, but all of us. And indeed, years later it brought comfort and confirmation to them. I think a blanket was my go-to idea because that is how my grandmother expressed her love.
My Grandma May was a quilter, and she stitched blankets for new babies. She also made quilts for special people in her life, at different stages in their lives. I have several quilts from her, including one we made together. She often made a baby quilt and then a twin quilt for her preschooler grandchildren. Hand-stitched appliques of cowboys and sunbonnets and flowers so treasured that a few were featured at her funeral. We kept close her blanketing love, even when we outgrew the pattern.
Some of these quilts are worn, and a new project I’ve taken on is salvaging all those stitched-in prayers and dreams for me into one that is more useful to my adult self. It’s a way for me to honor my love for her and her love for me. And dreaming of this new project made me remember that community quilt I put together. It made me remember the time when my son was young, an illness left him gasping for air. In the cold and confusing ward of the hospital, amidst the beeps and the constant interruptions and intrusions -He was offered a blanket. Not a factory-made covering but one stitched of love for a hurting child, handmade for a stranger by a stranger to cloak protectively around the wound of fear and bring comfort and color to the room. He got to keep it, and it became a special comfort during times of illness.
So too I began to think of the blankets and hats knitted for newborns in the hospital – and the blankets made for the homeless. I think of my friend who spent a summer in Chios welcoming refugees; and how one of the biggest needs was baby carriers and blankets so an international group of strangers stepped up to provide. I think of the devastation of wildfires and how knitters around the world discovered a tangible string from their hands to the burned koalas who needed a place to heal and hide their paws. How often we welcome the new, the seekers of refuge, the wounded and ill, the disenfranchised – with love. Love flung from crochet hooks and threaded through needles to bring comfort, warmth, and care.
And so I looked anew at “Love Covers Over A Multitude of Sins.” Love does not dismiss or pretend. It does not ignore injustice for the sake of personal quiet, or offers carte blanche for the sinner, but offers instead balm to the sinned-against. Maybe love covers the sin of wounded wildlife – our climate calamity hubris laid bare. Maybe love covers the sin of borders and hoarders – bringing warmth and relief to those who seek refuge be it a far land or their own hometown. Love covers; whether it is healing a wound or injustice, or simply an expression of care from a loving heart. May you find the ways that love covers you – and find the ways to let your love cover others.
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