Barefoot Bellringing

Some weeks I have very few meetings and then they all tend to bunch up…which can make for emotional whiplash and occasional frustration.

The last couple of days have been filled with appointments, both at the church and elsewhere and while they were not all of the same nature, they all touched on being in the presence of the sacred.

Yesterday afternoon I had tea with a parishioner whose husband died a couple of months ago. She feels no need to remain the community (they moved here for his medical treatments) and so she’s decided to move “home” to the community where she lived before moving here.

It’s a big step, and she’s afraid and yet she believes this is what is best for her. So as we had tea and reflected on the five years we’ve known each other there were tears, laughter and hugs. We shared prayers together and communion. And in the silence, there was the blessing of the Holy One, helping us both feel that all would be well, and all would be revealed at the right time…not necessarily in our time.

I also met with a couple who are struggling with a difficult family situation. At some point there will be a meeting at which I will mediate and as they were expressing upset, frustration and fear, something incredible happened. We joined hands, prayed aloud and a great sense of peace enveloped us. We don’t know the outcome, but we do trust that all will be revealed at the right time.

Last night I visited with a couple who are both struggling with health related issues. One has developed mobility issues and the other is awaiting a procedure for cancer. They shared openly their concerns and hopes. We prayed together and shared communion and in that silence, in that stillness there was hope. Whatever the outcome, there will be peace in the waiting. Sitting in their living room on a rainy Tuesday night I was reminded of why I do what I do.

This afternoon I will visit a lady who is in hospital with some serious medical issues. She’s been in for a couple of weeks while the medical team decides whether or not she can return home. She’s in her 80’s and not happy at the prospect of reduced mobility or a nursing home. And yet, when we sit after prayer, in the comfortable silence of each other, we feel the presence of the sacred. We know that God is with us and in time all will be revealed.

There is also a parishioner who was rushed into surgery Monday night. I was able to see him briefly before he was transferred to a room and he’s in very good spirits. His family and I prayed for the skill of the surgeons hands, as well as healing, patience and peace. And those prayers were heard. The next journey is still unknown for him and his family, but whatever the outcome there is a sense of peace.

Standing in the presence of the sacred is awe-inspiring and such an incredible honour. When little things get under my skin I remember those small, seemingly insignificant moments and breathe deeply. Knowing that this too will pass, and all things are in God’s time…not necessarily in our time.