Evening After a Long Day – A Reflection

After a long and intense day of discernment, discussion, prayer, and planning; our Session made the decision to suspend all Worship and programming for the time being as we walk through the Valley of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

These are indeed interesting and challenging times. Wading through so much misinformation and outright lies. Seeking to listen and do what is best for our church and community. We walked away from the meeting with a sense of confidence in doing the right thing. We also walked away with a sense of worry and concern for our community and those who are at risk.

Now we pray, we explore new ways of virtual worship and fellowship where we can “gather” safely to pray, worship, and support one another. After a long day at the church with our friend and Office Administrator sending out communications to the congregation and planning for the coming weeks; Denise and I drove into the National Park. God’s creation always has a way of calming and soothing the soul.

Tonight as we relax before the fireplace, I find myself in the midst of Thomas Merton’s poetry. His words speak comfort in the night and in the midst of troubling times. His words as he reflects on the beauty of The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemane and his Hermitage resonated with me, especially today.

“Song: Contemplation”

O land alive with miracles!

O clad in streams,

Countering the silver summer’s pleasant arrows

And beating them with the kind armor

Of your enkindled water-vesture,

Lift your blue trees into the early sun!

O country wild with talent

Is there an hour in you that does not rouse our mind with songs?

The boughs that bend in the weak wind

Open us momentary windows, here and there,

Into those deep and purple galleries,

Disclosing us the birds your genius…

In the Dark Before Dawn: New Selected Poems of Thomas Merton (p. 100)

May we find comfort and hope in the midst of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.