The year has begun and as we move into the pace of fall, we re-gather our community of practitioners in Spirit Play. Our first story was an introduction to the classroom. "Let's pretend that we are the story and let's hear about the gifts our church has given us". In the story we tell the children that being in Spirit Play is like being in their birthday and that the classroom materials are gifts for them and our other Spirit Play friends to use. This is true. And it is true that the real gifts are all of us together, learning and practicing wonder, play and love. Each child brings the gift of their being. Each adult brings the gift of their being. We come together with intention to learn and grow. We come to be in relationship.
The sermon in church was about being called and compelled to your vocation. We each carry within us a gift for the world. We are called by Life to bring the best of ourselves to our living. When we live in this way, we create the world in which we are a gift and where life gives us gifts in return. Where are we called and compelled? Do we respond with joy or resistance? Do we hear the calling at all in this busyness that is so much of our day to day?
On Sunday I was aware that these children are a gift to me, that the teachers are a gift to me, that the staff and the congregation at Unity are gifts to me. I don't always remember this. Sometimes I enter the space and just need to get my kids there on time, just need to stay centered when they protest and resist. Sometimes as I cry in worship, as I do most weeks, I feel a little self conscious and want to hide out and be noticed all in the same moment. I forget. I forget my belonging. I forget that this is my community and we are there to learn and grow. I am called and compelled in my life to remember this all the time and to remind others. I want to remember that there are journey guides and helpers to receive my children. I want to remember that my tears are given space to be and are noticed during worship.
This moment is pure gift, my work is gift, the people I am in community with are a gift, my breath is a gift. All of everything is a gift. It's a little overwhelming to sit with the truth of it; to sit in the grateful knowing that there is so much possible.
I come to class partly to remember. I come to be a gift and to receive. I come to practice love, to practice church. I come to create and experience my belonging. Listen? What is your gift? Where is Life calling you?