Dearest St. Mark’s Family,
I hope this week finds you healthy, peaceful, and connected to the Love of God, which surrounds you- wherever you may be! As we approach this weekend, I am reminded by my computer calendar that tomorrow (Friday the 3
rd
) is the day when Independence Day is “observed” all over our nation. Normally, I would remind you that the office is closed on these kinds of holidays, but that seems kind of silly right now. Of course, we aren’t holding anything close to “normal” office hours, so there really isn’t anything to close. However, I love that this weekend we get to “observe” a three-day weekend, and celebrate our independence, our freedom, and our liberties.
There is a lot to miss this year in observing Independence Day. The fourth of July has always been a favorite of mine because I love little parades, fireworks, a nice cold watermelon, and the chance to wear my favorite red, white, and blue aloha shirt. Needless to say, I’m not going to a parade this year. I’m probably not going to watch fireworks from anywhere but the comfort of my couch. I might have a cold watermelon slice or two, but I’m going to stay home with my beloved family whilst wearing that glorious aloha shirt.
So, life continues to be different, but the observation of Independence Day this year seems right. Observation, for me, means that we notice and perceive things as being important or significant. Obviously, this year means observing everything differently. Parades (or lack thereof), fireworks, social distancing, church online, all of it has caused us to observe differently. Bear with me, but I believe that new way of observation is a gift.
In the current life of unusual circumstances that we lead, watching and observing our “normal” routines as they evolve and chance is a gift. We are more careful, more attentive, more direct, and in many cases, more hopeful than ever. We observe our independence because we know that there is a deeper dependence on God’s work in our collective lives. Now, let me be clear, this isn’t just about the Fourth of July. It’s not just about the United States of America or a declaration of Independence that “lit the torch of liberty for nations yet unborn” as the old collect says.
This observation is about our utter dependence on the Love of God that is moving and transforming us even without our “usual” observances, maybe especially so. I don’t think that God is purposefully postponing my freewheeling Fourth of July schedule, but I do think that God is showing up powerfully in the way that I’m (We’re?) having to show up differently with these unusual circumstances.
There is a prayer that we use from the prayer book on page 830 that I love:
For Our Country,
and it calls us to pray for all sorts and conditions of our collective life together. The last line of that prayer reminds us to ask God to “in times of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.” By praying for our trust in God to be steadfast, we are living into our hope as the people of God, who without border, or limitation, live in the true freedom of Love.
My hope for all of us as we observe independence day this year (no matter how you may do it) we will continue to work and pray for Justice, be grateful for the opportunity to live together in a beautifully diverse community, and be empowered by Grace to seek and serve Christ in all nations, all people, and especially in these United States.
May we be united in Love and Service, remembering our own beloved-ness, our own freedom, and our place in the beautiful family of God.
Never forget you are Loved!
Peace,
Ben+
