This photo was taken earlier this week from the far side of the moon - about 252,000 miles away to be exact (or almost exact!). It’s amazing to know these astronauts have traveled further from Earth than any human in all of history. Every time I look at the photo, I think to myself: “perspective!” I know my concerns and worries are important. And also, perspective!—especially when it comes to losing a sock in the laundry or getting cut off in traffic. When is it helpful for me to shift my perspective? In this season of resurrection and new life, what perspective is most helpful?
There will be more to learn from the astronauts on Artemis II and their extraordinary mission, but already one story sticks with me. It is about naming craters on the moon after people they love. Commander Reid Wiseman’s wife, Carroll, died of cancer in 2020. When the crew discovered one large crater that faces the Earth, they named it Carroll. Another crater they named Integrity, the nickname they gave to their spaceship. It is touching to hear about these bright spots being named after people and things the astronauts love. What are the “bright spots” in your life? How are we tending to those we love?
Perspective. Love. These are good words. Perspective calls me to examine priorities and consider the practices that keep me grounded and centered in the love of Jesus. Love invites us to name what and who we love and to receive the life-giving qualities of love.
The Easter season stretches for six weeks in the church calendar. It is longer than the season of Lent, and I receive this as another reminder that life is stronger than death.
Easter is a season. It is also a practice.
Earlier this week, during the staff meeting, we took time to read Wendell Berry’s poem “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front,” which ends with the words “Practice resurrection.” Is this a command or an invitation? Either way, what does it mean to “Practice resurrection?” The answers are as many and varied as we are. As we read the poem together in staff, we took time to linger over certain phrases in the poem, to consider what spoke to us and how it might be calling us to practice resurrection. Some of our responses included the following:
