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GraceNotes: Holding the Space for … Reflection
#50 — June 1, 2016 |
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I existed from all eternity and, behold, I am here; and I shall exist till the end of time, for my being has no end. — Khalil Gibran Greetings, Inspired Seekers: I have been thinking about the Christian holy day of Pentecost lately. And my birthday — which is approaching far too quickly. I have been reflecting on both of these celebrations because 5 years ago my birthday and Pentecost Sunday united. And on that day I was ordained as an Interfaith Minister. Wow! We often, in the Christian tradition, see Pentecost as the day the Holy Spirit descended and everything began. Really? If that is what we believe, then what we are saying is that everything before that day was not “of the Spirit.” And how can that be? When I look at the older traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and so many other Eastern traditions, I cannot think that the work of the Spirit was not present there. Or that the hand of God was missing from Judaism. While Pentecost presents a new chapter of Spirit’s work in the world, it is a new chapter, a continuation. Just as my ordination was a continuation of the Divine’s work in me and my work in the world. Over the last five years I have been blessed to consecrate and celebrate many weddings, memorials and house blessings. I have welcomed babies into the world and into the care of a loving God and guided many as they seek a deeper connection to the Heart of their Creator. I have preached thousands of sermons and provided inspirational keynotes in unexpected places. I have written countless newsletters that I hope will inspire and provoke and been published many times by those wanting an Interfaith perspective. And I am grateful for all of it. The Interfaith road is not always easy or smooth. But, maybe it isn’t supposed to be. Through it all, you have been there and you and I have grown together. Soon I will gather with some former seminarians who I was ordained with and we will share our stories, laughs and tears of the last five years. And we will all be richer for it! I hope that you are a little richer for having been a part of this community, this SpaceForGrace. For all of you I am grateful and looking forward to the next five years. But, as we forge ahead, I do not think for an instant that the Holy Spirit arrived in my life on that day five years ago. Just as with the Eastern traditions, the Spirit has been in the world all along, simply using whatever shape was needed to make its presence known and felt! Namaste! Grace-Fully Yours, Monthly Affirmation: The Spirit is alive in me today and always! The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington supports all spiritual seekers through celebrating rituals, sacred ceremonies and spiritual coaching. Contact her at 215 260 1611 or at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com. She would be happy to walk with you on your spiritual journey. |
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