Tacoma, WA 98465
Lent is a time of reflection and healing and while I have a lot of time to reflect, which is probably supposed to be
on my life, reflection finds its way to the world around me, to me, one of the problems with television and /or
computers is that the world’s events are brought right into my house. I cannot, without turning off all devices,
avoid the grief being experienced in peoples’ lives here at home as well as in places I have never been nor will
ever go. I cannot avoid these concerns by not watching the news then and/or reading the daily newspaper. Like
it or not, the news is with me and since I am a member of this planet, it impacts my life. Being a person who
cares about people, I cannot turn my back on their suffering.
Watching Fr. Tom’s pictures and listening to the tale of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land reminded me again the
recognition of the thousands of years people have been warring with each other. The sad part being there seems
to be no end. Barriers put up so the “other side” cannot see what “they” are doing. Here we are in the 21st Century
and people are STILL developing weapons to kill each other faster and, from what I take away, “better?” Peoples’
intellect being used to destroy as many people as possible in as short a time as possible.
Years ago, I visited a museum in Spain devoted to the “development of weaponry over the centuries”. Can you
believe it? And that was after the atom bomb, but before nations could brag about the sophistication of their
nuclear arsenals. “My nuclear ‘stockpile’ is better than yours and we can destroy…” So, we still seem bent on
doing each other in.
I recently read a comment from an astronaut (Bill Nelson) who talked about seeing the earth from space, “You
see this incredible, colorful creation suspended in the middle of nothing.” Think about that for a minute; you
have seen pictures of what he described. I noted his use of the word “creation”. We humans are so small. What
are we doing to ourselves? The “vision” of the planet is awe-inspiring. Being ON the earth, not so much.
We are left with questions and lest I sound hopeless I am not, although I sometimes wonder how far we must
go before people wake up and start on a different trajectory. Fortunately, through the grace of God, all is not
lost. At this point I can see his handiwork in our church. I cannot help but be impressed with the progress we
have made at St. Andrew’s working together this year. While spending time reflecting on my own foibles (too
many to mention and who cares but me and God, probably) there is time to see our church as a beacon in the
community. We cannot help but feel the affection. the caring, the effort of so many of St. Andrews’ “people”
being carried out here in our “church family”. I, in reflection, am grateful for Fr. Tom’s efforts in waking us up
after a long hiatus. We have all we need in each other’s talents and God’s blessing and we have enough to
share…which we are doing. The world continues to turn, and we can send love and hope to these people suffering in other lands. At home, we can continue to spread love and support to those in our community. The next time you are in a group of us, “reflect” on the skills and abilities of those around you…the contributions you have made as well. “For God sent his son into the world… ” you finish it…while you reflect on what you are doing and what more you might be led to do. And SMILE! The sun is out today! It’s Easter tide. A time of joy and renewal right here at St. Andrews’. And, yes, you can still take time to reflect.