I have been particularly smitten with the beauty of the autumn colors my first fall in Baltimore! The reds, golds, greens, and ambers raise my spirit and remind me of the glory of God in her many disguises. I use the expressways a lot and am always amazed at the splendor that overwhelms me as I wind a curve in the road to be greeted by yet another glorious Maryland landscape. Simply put— I am enchanted!
During my years at St. Vincent’s House, Galveston, this time of year was especially grand. We turned our large common space into a “restaurant” and served the thanksgiving meal to all of our neighbors (or even beyond) who would come. Our neighborhood, you must understand, was much like areas of West Baltimore today. Our partnerships with a catering business, a DJ, a linen service and our board of directors, ensured that we would share a feast that would be an extremely festive spread. Throughout the day, we would serve and share our meals with upwards of 250-300 families.
In our times together, we discovered we were SO much alike—those of us who prepared the meals and those who ate them. It was at St. Vincent’s House, that I realized GOD was literally “all-over-the-place” and I just never knew it. I was forced to repent of thinking and believing that GOD was only where and when I thought God should/would be!
The Buddhist speaks of the need to enter each day with beginner’s mind, a way of perceiving life experiences anew. The Christian speaks of repentance, a way of making a 180 degree turn from perceiving life in one way to a totally different way. Both teachings illuminate a truth that transcends all time, space, and religions: the DIVINE GLORY is EVERYWHERE and that includes seeing that glory in each other.
Most of us can sense something that transcends everything when we engage a beautiful piece of art, or hear a symphony, or enjoy laughter and fun with friends and family, but it was a Thanksgiving that gave me the sense of that transcendent something when I met fellow travelers on the Way.
A prayer:
May the DIVINE GLORY rise up and bathe all that we do, eat, and say in delightful reds, greens, golds, and ambers this Thanksgiving. May our minds and hearts remain open and free!
Amen.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y’ALL!
FM+