A ride we wish would end

Dear Friends

This definition of Coronacoaster produced one of the best discussions we have had at our weekly virtual coffee hour. People shared their life experiences with amusement park roller coasters (some were not amused) but we quickly pivoted to the roller coaster of emotions we have felt during this pandemic. The consensus was that this is a ride we would glad to see come to an end. Or at least, Lord, let us get off for awhile and maybe try one of those Storybook Land boats?

One person said this has been more like a very long, very rocky, very steep hike in the wilderness, with no end in sight. Another imagined being in a hot air balloon, above it all, just watching and waiting until it was safe to land again,

Life, of course, always has its ups and downs, highs and lows, sad and happy moments and days. But this feels different because there is so much uncertainty and constant change. Of all times, this is when we need to feel Jesus' certain, unchanging love wrapped around us, holding us tightly and close, while also allowing our hearts and minds and bodies to relax and rest in his peace and calmness and assuring words, “Lo, I am with you always”.

John

P.S. We are coming home! Starting July 27^th and through August, I will continue as St. Dunstan’s Interim Priest from home, (as I have been doing from the rectory here in Carmel Valley Village for a few months). I am pre-taping some services and will be sending in some tapes. It has been another blessed, post retirement experience with wonderful people in a beautiful part of California. We are sad to leave but glad to be closer to family during this extraordinary time. While Amtrack could rename its Coaster commuter trains to Coronacoaster (unlikely) which would be a faster and more direct route, we have decided to drive, via the 68, 101, 46, 5, 210, 57, 71 and 91. That will make it easier to bring our cars and belongings home. 

Some July 4th Food for thought

 

Dear Friends

I hope you like this picture I just painted of “Eric the Eagle”. It is amazing what one can learn to do while sheltering in place! JUST KIDDING---MY TALENTED SISTER MARY DID THIS, AND IT CAME WITH THIS GREAT MESSAGE:

Let’s all take time to

REMEMBER THE PAST.

REFLECT ON THIS MOMENT.

RESPOND IN THE FUTURE.

Thanks also to Charles Schultz for this timely cartoon:

Thanks to Scott Stoner for reminding us of this quote from the musical "Hamilton" and part of his reflection:

America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me. You let me make a difference. A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.

Whenever I have the privilege of consulting with a family or organization in conflict, I often ask them to go back to the ideals and vision they held in common when they first started. I ask them to remember and hold on to those as they seek to resolve their current conflict. I remind them that it is easy for any of us to lose sight of our founding spirit and vision when we are in the midst of challenging times. We, our families and our county, are all unfinished symphonies, a mixture of beautiful harmonies and, at times, glaring imperfections and inconsistencies. And still, we continue to evolve, learning new harmonies to sing and new ways to more fully embody our founding ideals of life, liberty, and happiness for all.

And finally, thanks to Avery Brooke for this part of his prayer “Our Country”:

O Christ, we love this land. We wish it were always a simple love and often it is, but life has become complicated. When things go wrong it becomes easy to give up, to blame other people and to do nothing. O Christ, give us the unashamed courage to believe in the highest and best ideals of our country and enough passionate patience to make them come true. Amen.

Happy 4th! 

John

P.S. And for my two cents worth, is it asking too much that we choose a "Healer in Chief" and a "Uniter in Chief" this fall, for the health and well being of the country we all love? Personally, I think it is an urgent need; our nations's soul is at stake. But of course, in the meantime, we can and should all still keep declaring our dependence on God---on this Independence Day, and every day. 

Thanks be to God!