Frailties and Gifts

Hi there,

It is Sunday morning - almost 5am. Today, I am earlier than the rooster!! (I wonder if there is any way to wake him up??) By Vancouver watch, it is almost 2 pm on Saturday. Tim and the boys are at Jordan Diewert's wedding, and it is almost my brother's birthday. Larry, just thought you would want everyone to know!!!!! Love you!

Friday evening - the couples night went well. I enjoyed giving a talk on how Marriage exposes Sin! To take things totally out of context and to pique your curiosity, I can tell you that Tim was mentioned, as was a paper I wrote in Bible College entitled, "How it feels to be Perfect." (smile)(mischievous, rueful, humbled with light in her eyes) There were about 40 people involved in discussion after the talk, and then I was invited to lead them in a time of prayers of healing for our marriages.

I am moved by the way this congregation prays. The facilitator begins the prayer, and then steps back from the mike, and everyone begins to pray verbally at the same time. There is a beautiful sense of questing and freedom to pray what is on your heart - everyone prays out loud and God takes on the job of listening! and at once I am participating in a deliberation that shares in humility and intimacy not only with God, but with each other. Can you just imagine what it looks like in the throne room?

It was as I stood to move to the front to lead Friday evening's prayer-time that my body decided to let me know that enough was enough, and my left hip went on strike. I did manage to get to where I needed to go, lead the prayer, and then get back to my seat. Quickly, back to my rooms. Sitting on my couch, my whole right side and both hands were complaining as well. It was time for me to listen!

So I have been. I spent much of Friday night up listening in fact! and yesterday rested between two sittings. It is okay; my ear and my heart are not touched by this strange and wonderful virus.

Then I asked Amanda to take me for a gentle walk for a few blocks around her neighborhood. I had some things to say to this body, right back! We walked some of the streets of her history and I enjoyed the insider's view on what I was seeing. Amanda and I walk at the same pace; it is a wonderful companionship and yesterday, a needed gift.

(I beat the rooster by 35 minutes - he has just started crowing. He sounds a little embarrassed!)

Today is sabbath for me. I am looking forward to worship here - this will be my first Sunday worship in this building, and I can't wait to participate in it with these dear ones. Then I will rest, play, and pack for our 7am journey in the morning. I still need physical restoration and resource in order to be prepared for the pastor's retreat for which we leave at 7am tomorrow. ( I have already let Mr. R. Crow know,....)

Did I tell you that every day this wonderful 24-year-old woman cooks two meals for me and delivers them to my rooms? This is another way that the church is providing for me. I came with a heart prepared to serve, and I am being served.

The idea of someone taking on this job with all its necessary particularities for western sensibilities is hardly imaginable, and I think of that gift each time I sit down to one of these meals. Not only that, but this food is incredible! It is obvious that she attends to the smallest of details - color, portion, presentation and garnishes, and she has done it all to bless me. And the taste - well the taste is something that I cannot give any justice to. The only comparison I can make to this gift is Loren and his ability to prepare food to share with the kinbrace community- his attention to beauty, taste and the love with which he prepares it is the same. All Gift!!!

I could keep writing - it is a season of gifts! - but I will end with just one more.

It was the gift yesterday of blessing baby Nigel and anointing him with oil, and having him roll into and then kick my hand that was pressed onto the belly that held him safe inside.

What is unknown will become known and in this great mystery, love abounds.

Love you much,
Peace,
Mary