Right here and right now I have meaning at this time, because I am here. Being here it seems may very well be everything.
I attended a wonderful dinner last night here in Bellevue at a local church known as Highland Covenant Church. We gathered together and there were many folks that were different from everyone else. This is always the case, but in this instance the differences were obvious in physical nature, verbal ability, and spiritual openness, too.
We ate a simple meal made lovingly and shared for everyone in this caring environment. Still, what struck me most was the caring people that all sat at each table with open hearts and open spirits. Yes, they had open mouths and forks full of food, but there was something more in our midst than just a great meal and an entertaining evening.
Just being there. Just being willing to be there together. Seeing each other as we are with our uniqueness is what we do. Listening to each other in this context is more than enough: it is everything!
I had to leave a family gathering in Kirkland to attend this evening's celebration. I had a difficult time pulling myself away from my family who had gathered to hear about the incredible mission trip of my niece as she used her skills as a nurse going and working in Haiti recently.
I have to admit I went to our Sunday Evening Celebration reluctantly and a bit grudgingly, that is of course until I got there. When we see each other's hearts and spirits there is a special kind of family connection going on. It isn't because we were born here to these people, but because we were born here to God's people.
This was an amazing time as I sat with various people and shared the grace of God as we met in this place!
Listening to someone who can't speak is incredible. Seeing someone with a smile that is shared just because you are there is great. Just being there, WOW that is absolutely what it is all about.
I was so glad that I was THERE!!!
Amazing!
Blessings!
Dave
