Gathering & Release
We see it at memorials, weddings, Sunday mornings, AA meetings, holidays, coffee shops – we gather. We find each other – whether it’s been days or weeks or years – we find each other. We gather good and faithful people to our side to help us laugh and heal our wounds. We gather with strangers and neighbors to express / receive welcome and listen carefully. We gather new resources and resolve for growing deeper in faith and generosity.
And often in our gathering, we realize that we’re not where we used to be. Time has passed. Maybe in the time between our gathering we have released old grievances, worn out bias, and ventured into new territory. Maybe we have experienced grief or illness, and we’re a bit more raw and perhaps more truthful. In the time between we have experienced release.
Releasing from people who can’t seem to move past toxic behavior and attitudes. Releasing false narratives that twist truth. Releasing worn out stereotypes that keep us stuck. Releasing suspicions and excuses that limit our compassionate reach.
In our gathering and in our releasing, we offer thanks to God. It is God who is there for all our coming and going (Psalm 121:8). It is God who gathers us and helps us release what gets in the way of love.
Tom