I believe I would never have Come into Unity, with my Beloved, nor with the wonderous mystery of the Body of Christ, had it not been for the devoted, passionate and loving friends I have journeyed with during the last 4 years.
My Dear brothers and sisters in faith,
I hope you know, it is not because you are extraordinary – even though you have glimpses of that in you.
I hope you know, it is not because you are perfect, but when you are true to your imperfection.
I hope you know, it is not because you are capable of unconditional love, but when the love poured out on You reflects into your care and dreams and willingness to extend Love unknown to human merit.
I hope you know, it is not because of your brilliance, but when you offer your humor and skillful endeavors to encourage spirits, that I am blown away.
I hope you know, it is not because you courageously uphold the Truth in every situation, but when your heart reveals a steadfast commitment to my well being, that I am released, time after time.
I hope you know, it is not because sharing Life with you is smooth, sweet and always beautiful, but the fact that we can stand together, side by side, watching our journey from the everlasting perspective, where none of us is judge or excelling the other, we were not alone. And this takes all the pain away.
Ultimately our stronghold lies in the ability to remind each other that
In Friendship are joined honor and charm, truth and joy, sweetness and good-will, affection and action.
and All these take their beginning in our Beloved, advance through the Beloved uniting us and is perfected in The Beloved, healing us.
(Aelred of Rievaulx)
As I am writing, the community I am so thankful for, is distanced by the physical inapproximation of it’s members. Still, I may say, our Souls are close; in the Lord all distances can be overlapped. By the wonders of technology and the willing spirits much can be done, especially in a temporal sphere.
And at the same time, this time of distance has thought me that the Body of Christ is large, much more inclusive then I ever could imagine. Even though the new friends I have made, do not share my history, nor do they know my culture and language, there is a joined Story and we are all knit together by the Master Writer.
The smilies, hugs and precious moments we have shared and are going to share, in this masterful dance of infinity, are dear to my heart and warm me, both as hopes of the past and memories of what is to come.
My greatest wish, is that upon returning to my home-country, I will be able to offer the gathered pearls of my eye’s and jewels upon my heart. To be able to bring sweet blossoming fruit into a House where we join to Love each other in our Lord. I also pray that the time presiding this New Community will be filled with transforming moments of what Is and whom Are, here and Now!
Amen
December 16, 2008 at 8:54 am
Laura … this is so lovely. Thank you for the quote and for your words to your dearest friends (and those of us who love and value you though we are not of your inner circle)
May there be many transforming and defining moments for you while you are away – fellow brothers and sisters to share your walk your dance and your heart with
May He bring you back home to us safely …
miss you, love you … bless you
December 17, 2008 at 2:45 am
Dear Lorna,
please do include you in the circle of wonderful friends I have!
HUG You!