And so, if you haven’t already done so I encourage you to buy or borrow “Whistler.” It’s a story of love, grief, and the profound gift of being known and seen by another. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Experiencing a change in scenery is often two-sided for me. The change is often what I need in order to find a sense of rest and renewal. And yet, at the same time, the change leaves me longing for home. I know I’m not alone in this irony. I am grateful to be back in Austin and excited about all that’s ahead at University UMC. It is the July 4th weekend, and in worship we’ll have an opportunity to receive the sacrament of holy communion and to pray for ourselves and the world. The songs of the day (For the Healing of the Nations and Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing) and the scripture reading (Genesis 2:4-15) will serve as reminders of our call to serve all of humankind and all of creation. At a time when Christian Nationalism is on the rise, these are good reminders. I consider the blunt title of a recent article in Sojourners magazine written by Kenji Kuramitsu: “God’s Liberating Message for U.S. Christians - You Aren’t Special.” Kuramitsu, an Episcopal priest serving in Chicago, preaches not about independence but about interdependence. This is a call to humbly reflect on our proper place in God’s creation. There is a God—and it isn’t me! There is an earth to which I am called to care. And there are other humans with whom I am to relate—relationships centered on compassion and justice.
