Food for the Journey – 6/17/2021

In our area of the country, summer tends to be a sacred time for many. Each season has its own charms and challenges, but the relative brevity of summer tends to give it a special appreciation; one may hear people often say, “enjoy it while you can!” This particular summer holds a lot of anticipation. Some events that were canceled or put on hold last year are beginning again; among these, our services in Leif Erikson Park.

The outdoor summer services are always some of my favorite services of the year. While preparing for the worship band to return outside in just a few weeks, I’ve been struck by how much has transpired since the band last played in a service. At the time, we did not know it would be almost a year and a half until we would be together again. However, I was relieved to find that the band members are willing and eager to be back, and we even have a few new faces joining us this summer.

I think the mix of veteran and new members of the worship band is a good analogy for the general process of this coming year; keeping one eye on how things were “before,” while also keeping an eye on moving forward, with the lessons we have learned over the past year to guide us into a new tomorrow, using this opportunity to begin again with fresh eyes and fresh spirits, together.

I took a walk around Leif Erikson Park last week, and was surprised by its beauty. Surprised because regardless of how many times I’ve been in that park, after not being there for a year, I was able to look at it without taking it for granted, and able to experience it in all its glory. Certainly, as the band hits its first notes together again after so long, it will be with those same emotions.  My prayer is for us all to experience that, whether in the sanctuary or in the park, as we gather again over the summer.

Photo by Julie Gatten