Grace Notes

Well, I don't know about you, but for me, a certain sense of unreality is giving way to celebration about our new building. After all the years of planning and arrangements, it was great to see the earth movers come last June. Still, holes in the ground and amazingly large pipes still seemed a long way from a building. I was away when the sections arrived and were assembled, but even seeing the structure sitting on its foundations seemed a little dream-like. But now that the site has been leveled around the building and I am fielding calls about carpets and casework - well, this project is starting to feel like reality! Wow! We've had a few glitches, but they've been relatively small and we're only off schedule by a few days. It won't be long till we'll all be wandering around inside with silly grins on our faces.

I am guessing that this experience is pretty common when a project or event has been in planning and preparation for a long time. We begin to wonder if the thing will ever happen. We begin to wonder if our efforts are meaningless - just so much wasted energy. Maybe it feels like we're going through the motions but making no progress. Then, when things begin to come together, it takes a while for our awareness to catch up with what's actually happening. We may need a wake-up call!

Whether we're talking about our building, a long-sought achievement, a special event or any other effort that takes a long time to develop, let's remember to give - and receive - those wake -up calls. We want to be present for the reality of the long-awaited success! What a shame to take part in all the worry and work but miss the days of fulfillment! So whatever the "thing" you've been working toward, set your alarm! Be sure you're alert to those final steps that signal success.

The Buddhists remind us that each moment is precious and that we live more fully and abundantly if we're paying attention. Famously, when the Buddha was asked if he was a prophet, a god or whatever, he reportedly said, "I am awake." I'd say that's pretty good advice!

Of course, there's still work to do to make our building functional, safe, attractive and comfortable. And we still need funds to get it all completed. But we're in this together. I'm confident that our years of talk, planning and arrangements, our generous contributions and all those dreams, hopes and prayers are bringing excellent results. A season of celebration is beginning. Don't miss it!

Ever in hope,
Grace

[Ed. Note: This is the current version of "Grace Notes", a column our minister writes for the newsletter. It is more pastoral and less formal than her sermons.]