Around the Table: January 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012

As 2012 begins, I am resisting making "resolutions," but I am reflecting on my life and about "best practices" that are important to me. One "practice" that I have begun this year is gathering around the table pictured here once a month with six colleagues from different denominations. We worship and pray together, we study together, and we hold one another accountable for bringing our best selves to ministry. Each time we meet, I am grateful for the time together. I am grateful for this group's perspective and wisdom, and for deepening friendships.

I know that at Rock Spring there are some who find this kind of support in Sacred Circles or in one of our small group ministries. What helps you keep things in perspective and bring your best self forward?

Setting the Table

As I lay the fork near the plate,
let me remember this is Your table, not mine.
As I set the water glasses down
and fold the napkins, let me be reminded
that every setting at this table
is Yours, not mine.

Each one who will partake of this meal
is a particular someone You love, a someone
You have made, whom You sustain.
In You nothing and no one is forgotten.
How vast and providential is the memory
with which You keep us all.

It is only we who forget You
and then one another.
It is we who starve each other
and exclude each other.
Give me new eyes.
When the glass is raised by my friend
let me see You drinking.
When the fork is lifted by my child,
let me recognize You eating.
You are the hidden joy which feeds
and keeps everything. You are the table,
the guest, the meal, the commemoration.

Make in my person a place setting for You.
Remind me of my true nature
which is recalled only in You.

Gunilla Norris, Being Home

Around the Table

Monday, January 9, 2012

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